By: Sainabou Sambou
The High Court in Banjul was gripped by somber and emotional testimony on Tuesday as the murder trial of Fatou Sawaneh, popularly known as Ya Fatou, unfolded, with the first prosecution witness revealing a long and troubling history of the accused’s mental illness that predates the tragic death of her mother.
Omar Bojang, a family member, continued his evidence before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, painting a picture of confusion, concern, and institutional struggle in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Bojang told the court that after Fatou Sawaneh was taken to the regional police station, forensic experts arrived at the scene in Tujereng Village and transported the body of her mother, Binta Bojang, to the mortuary.
He recounted how he and other relatives proceeded to the Tujereng Police Station, where they found the accused sitting.
When he inquired about her condition, officers reportedly told him it would be difficult to keep her in custody. Bojang said he pleaded for urgent medical attention, but was informed that the police’s capacity differed from what the family desired. Later that evening, Sawaneh was transferred to Sanyang Police Station. Bojang followed up and was assured she was safe, only to receive a startling call the next morning from officers at Sanyang who admitted they had “never handled a case like hers before.”
The matter was subsequently brought before the Magistrate’s Court, which ordered her remand at Mile 2 Prison. However, upon arrival, prison authorities refused to admit her, citing her visibly unstable condition. Bojang described how officers observed the accused talking to herself and failing to follow basic instructions. No formal medical assessment had been conducted at that point.
In a desperate move, the family took her to Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital. Doctors there agreed to examine her in the presence of medical students. According to Bojang, Sawaneh could respond coherently to basic questions about her name and family members, even stating that her mother was at home. The doctor ultimately concluded she was mentally unwell and required treatment. However, due to the existing court order, she could not be admitted and was returned to Mile 2 Prison.
She was given medication to calm her before departure, along with prescriptions for further care. Throughout the process, Bojang stressed that police and family members ensured she was never left alone.
The testimony took an even more poignant turn during cross-examination by defense counsel J. Jeng. When it was put to him that the accused had a long history of mental illness, Bojang readily agreed, stating that her condition dated back to her childhood. He recounted disturbing past incidents, including occasions when she walked naked in public and attempted to harm herself. He had personally taken her for treatment at local clinics and previously at Tanka Tanka.
Bojang further disclosed that Sawaneh had once been admitted to Mile 2 Prison for about one year and one month before being transferred to Tanka Tanka due to her deteriorating mental state. He maintained that she was mentally unwell at the time of the alleged incident. The witness confirmed that she gave a formal statement to police on October 29, 2024, detailing her condition, which was admitted into evidence as Exhibit D1 without objection from the prosecution.
Fatou Sawaneh stands charged with murder contrary to Section 187 of the Criminal Code. The prosecution alleges that on or about October 27, 2024, at Tujereng Village in the Kombo South District, she unlawfully caused the death of her mother, Binta Bojang, by striking her on the head with a pestle.
Family members present in court appeared visibly moved as details of years of struggle were laid bare.
The case was adjourned to Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for continuation of the hearing.
