Ousainou Bojang, first accused
The ongoing trial of Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang, accused of the fatal shooting of two Police Intervention Unit (PIU) officers at the Sukuta Jabang traffic light, took a pivotal turn on Monday as the defence presented testimony that could contradict the prosecution’s timeline.
Kathleen McGee, the 11th defence witness, told the court that a WhatsApp conversation she had with Ousainou Bojang on the night of the alleged incident suggests he could not have been at the scene. McGee, a UK resident and property owner in Brufut, has known Bojang since 2010 and employed him for several years to provide security and maintenance at her compound adjacent to the Bojang family home.
Under questioning from defence counsel Lamin J. Darboe, McGee said the conversation with Bojang began at 8:18 PM Gambian time on September 12, 2023, and continued for several hours, extending past midnight in the UK. She testified that their exchange was uninterrupted, focusing on Bojang’s personal matters, including issues with his girlfriend, Claudette, and threats from a local individual.
“I was chatting with Ousainou on WhatsApp from 8 pm to midnight UK time on the night of the shooting incident,” Ms. McGee confirmed in court.
McGee said, asserting her certainty that Bojang could not have been involved while they were in constant communication.
McGee also recounted that, following Bojang’s arrest, a neighbour, Sharon Brown, contacted her on behalf of Yero Saidy, an investigating officer seeking to confirm the identity of the person apprehended. On September 15, McGee herself reached out to Officer Saidy, offering the full transcript of her WhatsApp conversation as evidence that the wrong individual had been detained. The conversation was subsequently tendered as evidence in court.
During cross-examination by prosecution counsel Adama Sillah, McGee confirmed she had known Bojang for approximately 15 years and that he primarily worked night shifts at her residence in 2023. She stated that his job remained available to him if released.
McGee also clarified that her security personnel are unarmed, noting that while they may carry a piece of wood for deterrence, they do not possess weapons. When questioned about alleged links to MFDC rebel members, McGee firmly denied any knowledge of Bojang being affiliated with any group, gang, or rebel force.
The witness further confirmed her acquaintance with the second accused, Amie Bojang, Ousainou’s sister, whom she has visited in Mile 2 prison over the past two years.