The criminal charge of theft against Ansumana Marena, fondly called Julakay, was dropped yesterday at the Kanifing Magistrates Court, presided over by Senior Magistrate Abdoulie Mbake.

The court’s decision follows an application for withdrawal by the prosecution under Section 68(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, Laws of The Gambia.

According to Prosecutor Sanyang, the withdrawal was intended to enable them to put their house in order, as they are not satisfied with the charges against the accused. According to him, they intend to impose a fresh charge against the accused.

Presiding Magistrate Mbake told prosecution that they should have put their house in order before mentioning the matter in court, before granting the application.

According to the prosecution, Mr Marena, between 2003 and 2008 at Julakay Construction and Engineering at the Kanifing Industrial Estate, stole the following materials: 88 pairs of toilet tanks, 50 pairs of toilet seats, 80 pairs of wash hand basins, 74 pairs of wash hand basins, 57 pairs of sheet covers, 14 rolls of conduits, 9 cartons of fluorescent 4F, 50 pieces of wash hand basins, 50 complete sets of toilet seats, 51 pieces of other fittings. The total value of the items was pegged at D4 million.