By Sainabou Sambou
Fatou Suwaneh, the 32-year-old woman accused of killing her biological mother with a pestle, pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the High Court in Banjul on March 5, 2026.
When the charge was formally read to her in open court, Suwaneh told Justice Ebrima Jaiteh that she was not aware of the allegation against her. The court then entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.
Suwaneh faces a single count of murder contrary to Section 187 of the Criminal Code, Cap 10:01, Volume III of the Revised Laws of The Gambia 2009. The particulars of the offence allege that on or about October 27, 2024, at Tujereng Village in the Kombo South District, she unlawfully caused the death of Binta Bojang, her mother, by striking her on the head with a pestle. The prosecution claims the act led to the victim’s death within the High Court’s jurisdiction.
The case stems from an incident that shocked the community in late October 2024, when police arrested Suwaneh in connection with the alleged matricide. Binta Bojang, aged 58 at the time, was found unresponsive and bleeding from a head injury.
State Counsel F. Drammeh represented the prosecution, while Counsel Lamin J. Darboe appeared for the accused.
The Office of the Attorney General filed a witness list outlining key testimonies expected during the trial. Among them: Omar Bojang, a civil servant and brother of the deceased residing in Tujereng, is anticipated to testify that on October 27, 2024, he received a call from another brother expressing concern about Suwaneh’s (referred to as Ya Fatou) mental condition. He reportedly provided funds for her hospital treatment and will share what he knows about the events.
Karamo Bojang, another civil servant from the village, is expected to recount receiving news on October 29, 2024, that Binta Bojang had been found bleeding from the head.
Lamin Jabang is set to testify about being informed of the accused’s mental health issues days before the alleged incident.
Mariatou Bojang, a sister of the deceased, is expected to describe discovering the victim unresponsive in her room on October 29 and noticing blood on Suwaneh’s shirt.
Detective Sergeant 4554 L. Manneh will testify regarding the cautionary and voluntary statements obtained from Suwaneh, which the prosecution intends to tender as evidence.
Several reports from the time of the arrest in October 2024 noted that investigators and a crime scene team visited the family compound where the mother and daughter lived together.
The matter was adjourned to March 24, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
