Alleged killer of H&M Bereau staff challenges CCTV Interpretation, reaffirms innocence

Tine made the remarks during the continuation of his cross-examination in the murder trial over the death of Fatoumatta Kargbo, where he continued to deny killing the deceased. Responding to questions from State Counsel A. Gibba, Tine said he remained committed to his previous testimony because he swore on the Holy Quran. When asked whether he was denying evidence that he stabbed himself, Tine said he would not go back on what he had already told the court, adding that the counsel did not want to hear his explanation. Asked whether he took the knife and injured himself, Tine replied, “Yes”. He also agreed that he attempted to slit his throat, but maintained that his intention was not to kill himself. He told the court that his action was meant to scare the crowd he claimed had gathered and were attempting to kill him. Counsel Gibba reminded him that he had earlier stated: “Before you kill me, I will kill myself first.” Tine agreed with the statement. However, he insisted that the CCTV footage shown in court was not complete. “If the whole video was played, I would have answered the question,” Tine said. The accused agreed that the Westfield bureau is located in a crowded area but explained that he did not scream for help when he was allegedly attacked because he became unconscious after being hit. Counsel questioned why, after regaining consciousness, the first thing he did was to put a knife on his throat. Tine replied that he stood for some time and was confused, adding that he was not fully conscious and did not know what had happened at the time. He maintained that a crowd had gathered and he believed they wanted to kill him, which led him to decide that he would take his own life before they could harm him. Justice Jaiteh questioned Tine about whether the knife he used to injure himself was the same knife allegedly used in the killing of Fatoumatta Kargbo. Tine said he saw the woman coming out of the bureau with the knife and later picked it up from the ground before injuring his neck. He maintained that it was not his intention to wound himself. He also told the court that he had a bag containing tools, including spanners and screwdrivers, which he used for his electrical work. The accused was further questioned about why he did not call for help when Fatoumatta Kargbo was lying on the floor. Tine said he did not ask for help because he was not conscious at the time. Counsel Gibba put it to him that his decision to attempt to take his own life did not represent the conduct of an innocent eyewitness. Tine disagreed, saying he never had the intention to kill himself. The accused also testified that he entered the bureau with D110,000. When asked whether the money was recovered by police during investigations, Tine said he had not seen the money and also stated that his watch was missing. He said he saw money presented in court but could not confirm where it came from. Counsel Gibba suggested that the money inside the bureau was untouched by the alleged attackers, which was why it was tendered as evidence. Tine replied that the matter was not clear to him, but maintained that his money was missing and that he complained about it even while receiving treatment at the hospital. The prosecution further suggested that on 19 January 2024 there was no physical evidence of anyone entering the bureau except Tine. Counsel Gibba put it to him that there were no attackers and that he was the person who attacked and killed Fatoumatta Kargbo. Defence Counsel Ade objected, arguing that the prosecution should not state that the accused was the killer and could only refer to an alleged assault. The prosecution also accused Tine of fabricating his account to deceive the court and being economical with the truth when he denied knowing the bureau before the incident. Counsel Gibba further suggested that Tine’s attempt to slit his throat was a demonstration of guilt. Tine denied all allegations and maintained that the complete CCTV footage would show the court what actually happened. The matter was adjourned until 22 July.