Mr. SE Konté, accused of having defrauded the family of the mayor of Sangalkam while the latter was in prison in the Juan Branco affair, appeared this Wednesday, January 22, 2025 before the Dakar criminal court. He faces two years in prison, while his alleged accomplice, police sergeant AL Diop, faces six months in prison.
Konaté is accused of fraud in connection with visa applications, made by several victims. He was arrested in September 2024 following several complaints filed by individuals to whom he had made believe that he was canvassing for visas, but also for the public prosecutor.
The police officer, who is on provisional release, did not appear. Only Konaté faced the judges. He admitted the offense of fraud, but contested the facts of contempt of court and discredit on a court decision. Indeed, the investigation revealed exchanges between a cousin of the mayor of Sangalkam, then in detention in the Juan Branco affair, and Konaté. He had promised the release of the councilor in exchange for the sum of 5 million CFA francs to “grease” the prosecutor and the magistrates.
-The defendant tried to exonerate the police officer. However, the civil parties who appeared affirmed that it was the latter’s office where the releases were signed. They demanded reimbursement of the money paid, which varies between 240,000 F CFA and 5 million F CFA. The decision will be rendered on March 12, 2025.
Fatou SY
