A seemingly ordinary argument between friends turned tragic. Samba Ka, also known as "Bathie," seriously injured his friend Pape Yade by stabbing him repeatedly with a machete. Bathie was tried in the Mbour criminal court for attempted murder and possession of a bladed weapon without authorization.

The incident dates back to 2022. Outside a bar, an altercation broke out between two men, longtime friends and regulars at Bacchus's drinking parties. The dispute stemmed from a 500 CFA franc note that each claimed to have given to the other. Tempers flared, and the situation escalated.

Taking advantage, according to the prosecution, of his victim's inattention, Samba Ka struck Pape Yade five times with a machete, hitting him in several parts of his body. Seriously injured, Yade suffered a 45-day period of temporary incapacity for work.

In court, Samba Ka admitted to the blows but attempted to downplay the incident. He maintained that Pape Yade had brandished a knife first and that he had only retaliated. He claimed to have struck only once. This version was contradicted by the medical certificate, which documented multiple injuries, notably to the right wrist, ear, feet, and thigh, with deep wounds up to 5 cm long.

When questioned by the judge about their habits, the accused confirmed that they regularly frequented bars together.

For the prosecutor, the facts are extremely serious. He believes the intent to kill is clear, particularly given the number of blows inflicted, the violence of the attack, and the vital areas affected, especially the neck. "It looks like you wanted to kill him. You struck him several times, and the medical certificate confirms it," he emphasized.

The prosecutor also emphasized that the accused left his victim lying in a pool of blood and that the victim owed her life only to the quick intervention of passersby. Consequently, he requested a sentence of 15 years' imprisonment.

The defense, represented by Mr. Sène, argued that it was a brawl and that there was no intent to kill. According to the lawyer, the intoxication of both men impaired their judgment. "When you're drunk, you're not fully aware of your actions. This was a fight that went wrong," he maintained, requesting that the charges be reduced to assault and battery.

Following this line of reasoning, the criminal court reclassified the charges and sentenced Samba Ka to three years in prison for assault and battery. Having already served more time than the sentence imposed, he will almost certainly be released.