Witnesses testify that Dh50,000 and other items were found at the murder scene

Police witness Alieu Jallow said they found a bag behind the counter containing 200-dalafil notes, some 100-dalafil notes, three mobile phones and an employee ID photo.

He said they also found another brown side bag (cross-body bag) in the toilet, which was open and contained two wrenches and a mask, but no money.

Alieu Jallow, who said he was stationed at Serekunda West police station, narrated how he came to know about the incident. He said when he arrived at the police station that day, he was informed that a man had stabbed a lady in Westfield, adding that he went to the crime scene with a CID officer and found that the scene was being secured by officers from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU).

Recall that the accused, Arona Tine, was charged with the murder of Fatoumatta Kargbo, a teller at Westfield Forex Bureau.

Police witnesses said that when they arrived at the crime scene, they found the office door locked and the knife used by the suspect was found by PIU officers.

He further narrated that he disclosed his police identity and asked those PIU officers to open the door so that he could go in and have a look because Westfield fell under his jurisdiction.

He said that he took permission from Police Officer Ramin B Sar (PW5) who led the PIU officers to secure the crime scene, adding that the door was opened and they entered the scene along with the owner of the Forex Bureau.

Witnesses said that when they entered the office building, they saw blood everywhere, even on the toilet.

Another police witness, Lamin B. Sarr, the fourth prosecution witness, also testified that when he received a call about the stabbing in Westfield, he immediately dispatched a team to the crime scene.

He said they found the scene crowded with people and decided to protect it. They also said that when they entered the police station, they found the accused, Alona Tine, lying on the ground with blood coming out of his throat.

Witness Lamin B. Sarr said his team gave first aid to the accused and wrapped a cloth around his throat before taking him in a police car and rushing him to Sarakunda Hospital.

The case was adjourned to July 8, 2024.