Emmanuel Fabenle, the director of Public Prosecution, has informed the Banjul Kanifing Magistrates Court that the prosecution has closed its case in the ongoing criminal case involving nine members of the MFDC rebels from Casamance, Senegal.

The DPP made this announcement after the testimony of the last prosecution witness Sarjo Kuyateh.

In his testimony before senior magistrate Kayode Olajubutu, Mr Kuyateh informed the court that he met Abdou Salam Jammeh, eighth accused person few years ago  and was his neighbour in Brikama, Western Region.

"At the time I met him", he went on, "I had an infection on my hand, which he said he can cure". "Abdou Salam gave me some medications which I used, and fortunately for me, the infection on my hand got healed," he stated.

Mr Kuyateh noted that Abdou Salam further asked him whether he (Mr Kuyateh) has a gun for sale, but he said he replied in the negative. "After some days, I met a friend of mine called Kemo Conteh, whom I informed that I have a friend who needs a gun. Mr Conteh told me that he has a gun for sale at D3,000," Mr Kuyateh told the court.

He said the next day, himself and eighth accused person met two gentlemen at Bambo, Serrekunda, before dashing for Brufut Village, where they met Mr Kemo Conteh who eventually sold the gun to Abdou Salam at D3,000. He said Mr Conteh compensated him D200 after that transaction. "I was later arrested together with Mr Conteh," he said.

At that juncture, Amadou Sanyang, the first prosecution witness, was recalled to enable the prosecution tender the statement by Sam Kambai who confirmed to the panel of investigators that he had stolen the military equipment and sold them to Hatab Jatta, one of the suspects currently at large.

The case is expected to resume on March 26 and 27 for the accused to open their defence.