Ragan M. Conteh, AYV News, June 26, 2024

Medical Experts in the case of the alleged deaths of two young girls, Kadiatu Bangura and Salamatu Jalloh, in Bondo bushes in the Kambia district have told the Kambia Magistrate that the deaths are as a result of Clitoridectomy.

Dr. Samba Jalloh, Acting Medical Superintendent of the Kambia Government Hospital presented his evidence on the Medical Reports detailing the deaths of the girls following a botched female genital mutilation procedures.

Kadiatu Bangura, age 17, and Salamatu Jalloh, age 13 it is alleged that both died in the Bondo bushes in Kambia.

Making his Medical Report before Magistrate Samia, Dr Jalloh said he received medical report from the Sierra Leone Police to undertake medical examinations on the bodies of two young victims that allegedly died in the Bondo society bushes in Kambia district.

Dr. Samba Jalloh revealed to the court that following his initial on-site Autopsy and medical examination of the deceased also confirmed to the court that the victims’ deaths were as a result of Clitoridectomy removal of the clitoris of the deceased.

According to the World Health Organization, Clitoridectomy, also called Type 1, is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and/or the prepuce.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is all procedures that involve the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

Dr. Jalloh told the court that the medical examination was consistent with Hemorrhage (bleeding from the Clitoris wounds) and infection indirectly leading to Anemia and Cepses causes the deaths of late Kadiatu Bangura and Salamatu Jalloh.

Dr Jalloh further testified that the verbal autopsy report for both the deceased also queries complications link to Malaria for Kadiatu Bangura and Yellow Fever for Salamatu Jalloh. Dr Jalloh also testified that he did not conduct any laboratory tests for Malaria and Yellow Fever.

During the cross examination by the defense team, Lawyer Bayraytay raised objections that Dr Jalloh submitted before the court a photocopy of the medical report and not the original report.

The defense team filed a motion to the court requesting an adjournment of the case so that they can study medical terms in the report presented by Dr Jalloh.

But, Magistrate George Samai overruled, stating that this matter has been so long since March and urged the defense team to continue with the cross examination.

After counter arguments, the defense team explained to the court that they had no submissions until the next sitting.

Meanwhile, Magistrate George Samai adjourned the case for Wednesday, 24th July, 2024. The trial continues.