A marabout, Saidou Trawally, has been convicted for assault causing grievous bodily harm and sentenced to a fine of D10,000, with a default prison term of four years, by Magistrate Sowe of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court. The court also ordered him to pay D60,000 in compensation to the victim.
The conviction followed Trawally’s guilty plea.
According to Inspector Cherno Baba Jallow, representing the Inspector General of Police, the incident occurred on August 4, 2025, in Old Jeshwang, Kanifing Municipality.
Trawally allegedly stabbed the victim, Samba Jallow, multiple times with a cutlass and a knife on his back, left arm, head, and stomach, resulting in serious injuries.
Inspector Jallow outlined the circumstances leading to the attack.
“The complainant, Samba Jallow, introduced the accused, a marabout, to a client seeking his services.
They agreed on a price, and the service was successfully rendered. However, the client failed to pay. The marabout then vented his anger on the complainant, who had made the introduction.
The assault occurred while the complainant was on his way to a shop,” he explained.
Following the attack, Samba Jallow was rushed to Kanifing General Hospital, where he was admitted and later issued a medical report confirming his injuries.
The case was reported at Old Jeshwang Police Station immediately after the incident.
During proceedings, the marabout acknowledged the facts as presented by the prosecution, confirming their accuracy on August 25, 2025.
In mitigation, Trawally appealed for leniency, highlighting his role as the primary breadwinner for his family.
“I was seriously beaten up by a mob. I collapsed at Mile 2 Prisons and my inmate colleagues took care of me.
I beg the court to temper justice with mercy,” he pleaded.
The court’s ruling underscores the Gambian judiciary’s commitment to enforcing criminal law, particularly in cases involving grievous bodily harm, while balancing accountability with considerations for the offender’s personal circumstances.
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