By Sarjo Brito
The Gambia Police issued a statement on Wednesday May 12, 2021 following rumours of a suspected murder case in the village of Mandinaring, West Coast Region. While investigations into the case is still open, police reveal the motive could have been money after family members confirmed the victim identified as Marang Jaw had paid a sum of D10,000 to the alleged suspect for a trip of sand which was never fulfilled. According to the victim’s family, she has been following on the suspect also identified as one Mario Mendy, but all efforts to get her money back prove futile.
Police said: “The office of the Inspector General of Police hereby informs the public that it is investigating a case of suspected murder which occured on the 11th May, 2021 at Mandinaring Village, West Coast Region.
Preliminary investigations established the deceased to be one Marang Jaw, 37, of Mandinaring Village.
“One Mario Mendy, a 41-year-old Senegalese national is currently the lone suspect and is helping police investigators.
“Mendy had allegedly received an amount of D10,000 from the deceased’s family for a trip of sand which he never fulfilled.
“The deceased lady’s family revealed that she had been following up on Mendy to settle the money received, but to no avail.
“However, yesterday, 11th May, 2021, the suspect allegedly called the deceased’s mother and sister and told them that he had paid the ‘sand money’ to the deceased and was on his way home.
“Moments later, Marang Jaw was found death in the family house with injuries over the body and a pestle believed to be the murder weapon.
“Following intense efforts by Police, the suspect, Mario Mendy was arrested and is currently helping Police with investigations.
“Members of the public with any relevant information or clues about this tragic murder are encouraged to come forward to assist police efforts to fix this puzzle.
“The Office of the IGP solicits the usual cooperation and understanding of the public.”
