Broken glass discovered in Mbaye’s neck - Pathologist

Testifying as the sixth prosecution witness in the murder trial of Mamadou Bah before Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh, Dr Ousman Leigh said Mbaye sustained a deep wound on the left side of his neck which damaged muscles and blood vessels. The State was represented by Counsel M. Jammeh, while Counsel C. Mendy and Counsel Samuel Ade appeared for the accused. Dr Leigh, who has over 11 years’ experience as a pathologist and previously worked for 17 years at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), confirmed that he prepared a postmortem report dated 16 June. Defence Counsel Mendy objected to its admission, arguing that the witness was no longer a permanent EFSTH employee. Prosecutor Jammeh countered that Dr Leigh continues to serve the hospital on a contractual basis. Justice Jobarteh overruled the objection and admitted the report into evidence. Explaining his findings, Dr Leigh said the wound caused structural damage to neck muscles and a vein supplying blood to the head. He added that foreign materials, including broken glass, were discovered in the wound. In his medical opinion, Mbaye died from massive external blood loss resulting from the stab injury. During cross‑examination, Dr Leigh maintained that although he is not a permanent government employee, he continues to work with EFSTH on a contractual basis. The prosecution’s seventh witness, Police Officer Ebrima Cham, also testified, presenting photographs taken during the postmortem. Cham, based in Brikama, said he was assigned to document the examination and took five photographs, later uploaded to the police’s official laptop and printed. The images were admitted into evidence without objection and marked as Exhibits E1 to E6. Under cross‑examination, Officer Cham confirmed that photography was his only assignment during the postmortem and that he did not know the cause of death. The matter was adjourned until 15 October 2026 at 11:00 a.m.