Africa-Press – Gambia. The inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, who died following an encounter with police on September 26, 2025, continued this week with the conclusion of the fourth witness’s testimony and the commencement of the fifth.
Nurse Muhammed Jaiteh, Officer in Charge of Mandinary Health Centre, completed his testimony before presiding Magistrate Anna Mendy. When asked if he had further evidence to provide, Jaiteh responded, “In the evidence where I stop is what I know.” He subsequently submitted his college certificate as evidence before being discharged as a witness.
The fifth witness, Sunkaru Demba, a nurse attendant from Lamin currently posted at Mandinaring Health Centre, provided her account of the procedures performed on Omar Badjie. She confirmed receiving the patient in an unconscious state and explained her responsibilities include assisting trained nurses, receiving patients, and monitoring vital signs such as temperature and blood pressure.
When questioned about her qualifications, Demba stated she completed Grade 12 in 2004, applied for the nurse attendant position in 2009, and was selected for the role after completing a three-week Ministry of Health training program. She also studied Arts in Senior Secondary School and tendered her appointment letter as an exhibit.
Demba recounted her service history, noting her postings at Faji-Kunda from 2009 to 2021, Makumbaya until April 16, 2025, and currently at Mandinaring Health Centre.
Regarding the events of September 26, 2025, Demba testified that she received the unconscious patient around 10:00 AM alongside trained nurse Fatou Sanyang. She stated that four police officers, whose names she did not know, brought the patient to the centre.
“In the time you received the patient, what did you do?” Magistrate Anna O. Mendy asked.
Demba replied, “I help them to place him in the bed, and I rush to call my boss, Muhammed Jaiteh; he is our officer in charge.”
She further recounted that upon arrival, Jaiteh asked the officers what had happened. According to Demba, the officers explained that during a patrol, they encountered Badjie with cannabis, pursued him, and he fell before being brought to the health centre.
Demba added that under Jaiteh’s guidance, she administered oxygen to the patient. She later accompanied him to Kanifing General Hospital, alongside two family members and a police officer.
The inquest has been adjourned to Monday, November 10, 2025, at 1:30 PM, for the continuation of Demba’s testimony.
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