….Another Witness Supports Him

By Senior Staff Writer Ansumana Jammeh, Banjul.

Banjul:7/30/08-Superintendent Manlafi Sanyang, the ex-head of Gambia Government vehicle, control unit attached at State House, currently standing trial on the allegations of stealing and abuse of office, has on Tuesday 29th July, ended his testimony in his defence against him.

   His second witness Malang Dampha(DW3)also testified.

     Mr.Malang Dampha, a driver residing at Tabokoto adduced before the court that he knew Superintendent Manlafi Sanyang back in 2001,during the presidential elections.Mr.Dampha indicated that in 2001 he came into contact with Sanyang when he was taken as driver to drive one of the 42 brand new pickup vehicle. He said the vehicles were collected from TK motors noting that the vehicles were for APRC Party's campaign  during the elctions,adding that it was Manlafi Sanyang who mounted  APRC  flags on the vehicles.

       He said that the vehicles he was assigned to drive was BJL4591 B and that it was a brand new one. He stated that the following day they took the vehicles for a test to the provences.The witness further said he was involved in an accident within Kiang and they brought the vehicle to Gamwater Company premises. He added that since that fateful day he knows nothing about the said vehicle.

     During cross examination by state counsel Buba Bojang,Mr.Dampha said he was employed by Manlafi Sanyang as a driver and that it was Manlafi who used to pay him. He said the accident happened at around Masembeh in Kiang.He stated that he could not tell whether the accident was reported to the police, pointing out that he was not questioned by the police with regards to the accident.

        He stated that he was not badly affected by the accident; that it was only his fingers that were affected. He posited that the nature of the accident was that the vehicle ran into a ditch and the steering wheel got stiff and he lost control of the wheels and then the vehicle fell.

       At this juncture, the defence counsel,Lamin S.Camara told the court that they have close their case in their defence,adding that he was in a position to address the court if the defence would do so on the spot.

      The state counsel,Buba Bojang argued that it is the responsibility of the defence to first address the court and the prosecution to follow suit by replying on points of law.Bojang further argued that addressing the court is not an evidence.

          Defence counsel Camara argued that they have called in witnesses; and have closed their case; that it's the  mandate of  the prosecution to address the court and the defence to reply on points of law. Later  prosecutor Bojang agreed to first address the court but not on the spot; that it can only be done on another date.

    Superintendent Manlafi Sanyang is standing trial for allegedly stealing a government vehicle and the amount of D75,000 of the proceeds from the sale of the said vehicle and also abuse of office.