By Alieu Jallow
The Head of the Orthopaedic Unit at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), Dr Mariam Joof, on Tuesday testified before Magistrate Ismaila Dibba of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court in the ongoing criminal trial of Baboucarr Sawo, who is accused of recklessly driving into a food vendor, resulting in the amputation of her leg.
According to the charge sheet, Sawo, on August 11th, 2025, at Piccadilly Junction, allegedly lost control of his vehicle and hit 60-year-old Sanneh Cham while she was selling Mbahal by the roadside. The collision caused severe injuries that later led to the amputation of Cham’s left leg.
Sawo faces five charges, including reckless driving, unlicensed driving, and grievous harm.
Testifying on October 29th, 2025, Dr Joof told the court that she holds a Master of Science degree from the University of The Gambia. After graduating in 2011, she joined EFSTH before proceeding to Senegal, where she specialised in Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery for five years. Between May 2024 and May 2025, she pursued additional training before returning to continue her work at EFSTH.
Dr Joof said Cham’s case was brought to her attention during a departmental briefing, after which she personally examined the patient. Upon evaluation, she and her team confirmed that Cham’s left leg had sustained extensive damage.
“The situation was very bad. We observed her condition for a few days, but it did not improve, so we had to amputate the leg,” Dr Joof testified. She added that the injuries were consistent with those typically sustained in road traffic accidents and described the damage as “severe.”
She explained that the patient was later discharged and is currently undergoing therapy to help her walk with crutches.
Dr Joof confirmed preparing and signing a medical report detailing Cham’s condition and treatment. Prosecutor Commissioner Almameh Manga presented the report in court and applied for it to be admitted as part of the prosecution’s evidence.
However, Defence Counsel S.K. Jobe objected, requesting time to review the document before admission. He asked the court for an adjournment to properly advise his client.
A copy of the EFSTH medical report shows that Sanneh Cham, a resident of Faji Kunda, sustained a crushed left foot with multiple fractures. She underwent several surgeries and blood transfusions, but due to worsening tissue necrosis, doctors performed a below-knee amputation on September 9th, 2025. She was discharged on September 14th, 2025, after her wound began healing properly.
The case was adjourned to December 3rd, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. for continuation of hearing.
By Alieu Jallow The Head of the Orthopaedic Unit at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), Dr Mariam Joof, on Tuesday testified before Magistrate Ismaila Dibba of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court in the ongoing criminal trial of Baboucarr Sawo, who is accused of recklessly driving into a food vendor, resulting in the amputation of The Fatu Network
