The tragic accident that occurred on December 27 on VDN 3, in Guédiawaye, continues to haunt people’s minds. According to the daily The Observerthis affair, marked by excesses, illicit substances, and an irreparable tragedy, led the seven members of a group nicknamed the “Blowmen” before the Pikine-Guédiawaye court. At the heart of the trial, the artist Ismaila Camara, the main accused, risks a five-year prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter and endangering the lives of others.
A drama at the heart of the festive night
On December 27, Mamadou Konté, a 19-year-old mechanic known by the nickname “Papa”, tragically lost his life, crushed by a vehicle driven by Ismaila Camara. The latter, aged 21 and a professional musician, had rented a Ford Taurus car for a night trip. On board, a group of young friends, including three girls and three boys, all driven by a festive spirit which quickly turned into a nightmare.
As reported The Observerthe evening was punctuated by blaring music, stunt driving, and illicit substances, including benzodiazepines, ecstasy, and a questionable mix of Sprite and cellulosic thinner. Driving recklessly at a speed of 80-90 km/h, on a spare rear tire, Ismaila Camara lost control of the vehicle near the Pikine-Guédiawaye courthouse.
The shock was incredibly violent: Mamadou Konté, a pedestrian who was nearby, was hit by the car and dragged for 300 meters. The impact was fatal, leaving the local community in a deep stupor.
The “Blowmen” in court
Ten days after this accident, the seven members of the gang appeared before the Pikine-Guédiawaye court. Ismaila Camara, presented as the leader, tried to defend himself against serious charges: involuntary manslaughter, driving under the influence of drugs, and possession of drugs. With wild eyes, he admitted to having rented the vehicle and to having invited his friends aboard, but he denied having consumed illicit substances at the time of the events.
However, the investigation revealed another reality. Analyzes carried out on Ismaila Camara’s urine samples, as well as those of the two other boys, Amady Ba and Issa Mballo, confirmed the presence of benzodiazepines and ecstasy. These results contradict the denials of the accused.
On the other hand, the three young women present in the vehicle were exonerated. The prosecutor requested their release, emphasizing their lesser involvement in the facts.
The prosecution’s requisitions
According to The Observerthe representative of the public prosecutor requested a sentence of five years in prison and a fine of 500,000 FCFA against Ismaila Camara. Against his male accomplices, Amady Ba, Issa Mballo and Souleymane Kane, he requested a sentence of six months in prison and an equivalent fine, for complicity in manslaughter, possession and use of drugs.
For the defense, the defendants’ lawyers pleaded for leniency, emphasizing the youth of the accused and their lack of discernment. The court set the deliberations for January 10.
A drama that questions
This affair, widely publicized by The Observerhighlights the worrying excesses of sometimes lost youth, where carelessness and drug consumption can lead to irreparable tragedies. The family of Mamadou Konté, absent during the trial, is demanding justice for their son, whose life was cut short in circumstances as absurd as they are tragic.
While awaiting the verdict, the case of the “Blowmen” of VDN 3 remains an edifying example of the disastrous consequences that excesses and irresponsibility can have on the road. A painful lesson for Dakar and beyond.
