By Sainabou Sambou
A mother wept uncontrollably in the High Court in Banjul on Wednesday as she recounted the harrowing ordeal of her nine-year-old daughter, who was allegedly repeatedly raped by a trusted family neighbor.
The emotional testimony came during the trial of the accused, a carpenter from Mamuda Village in the West Coast Region, who faces a single count of rape contrary to section 3(1)(a) of the Sexual Offenses Act 2013. The state alleges that on or around 25 November 2025, the man intentionally engaged in a sexual act with the child by inserting his penis into her vagina under coercive circumstances.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh heard from the prosecution’s first witness, the victim’s mother, a caterer and mother of five. State Counsel S. Camara led the prosecution, while lawyer Khadijah Muhammad Ishola represented the accused.
The witness told the court her daughter is in Grade 4 and follows a routine of school from Monday to Friday and Dara (Quranic) classes on weekends at a center near their home. When the mother travels for catering jobs, lasting about one-and-a-half days, she leaves the children with relatives. Her husband works as a waiter.
She described the accused as a close neighbor who frequently visited their home, often staying until bedtime and spending time with her four sons. The mother said she trusted him completely and regularly offered him advice, never imagining he could harm her children. At the time of the alleged incidents, the girl was eight years old.
The witness confirmed her police statement, which was admitted into evidence. She recounted that when police confronted the accused, he allegedly admitted knowing the child and said something would “enter him” whenever he came home, leading him to grab the girl. He reportedly told officers he had even traveled to Senegal to consult a marabout for help with his urges. The mother expressed shock that the accused later denied the allegations in court, adding that his family continues to beg her and sends voice messages, which she has retained as evidence.
Under cross-examination by defense counsel, the witness said she first noticed changes in her daughter’s behavior: increased aggression, withdrawal, altered walking style, and complaints of pain from what the child described as an old wound on her leg. In November 2025, the girl finally disclosed the abuse when asked who was disturbing her. She named the accused. When the mother asked if anyone had prompted her to mention his name, the child firmly said no.
The girl reportedly told her mother that the accused took her to his aunt’s house, removed her clothes, and raped her. The abuse allegedly occurred multiple times, including at the accused’s own house. He reportedly threatened to kill the child if she told anyone.
The family did not immediately seek hospital treatment. When they visited a nearby clinic, the doctor refused to examine the child, citing legal requirements, and instead contacted Sanyang Police Station. The following day, both mother and daughter gave statements at the police station before proceeding to Brikama Hospital for medical examination.
The witness confirmed that the accused had previously done carpentry work for her and would often pick up the child in the afternoons.
After completing her testimony, the visibly distraught mother broke down again as she left the courtroom.
The case was adjourned to 9 June 2026 at 12 p.m. for continuation of the hearing.
