The Fatick flagrante delicto court on Wednesday tried Mr. Dia, who was charged with destruction of property belonging to others, illegal possession of a weapon, violence, and assault. At the end of the hearing, he was given a three-month suspended sentence and a fixed fine of 50,000 CFA francs.

The case originated in a latent conflict between the people of Ndiago and a marabout, who owned a field in the locality. According to the facts, O. Dia, the defendant's younger brother, was accused by the marabout's disciples of destroying the fence and devastating the crops in the field. In retaliation, the latter allegedly attacked the Dia family home, sparking clashes.

Faced with this attack, Mr. Dia allegedly grabbed a machete to protect his family, he said. The intervention of the police led to his arrest, as well as that of his younger brother, O. Dia, a minor. The defendant is also accused of attempting to attack the police.

In court, Mr. Dia defended himself by stating: "The marabout's disciples attacked our house and injured the children, even cutting off one of their fingers. This time, I armed myself with a machete only to defend my family. I never intended to attack the gendarmes, whom I respect. On the contrary, it was one of them who injured me. Moreover, our herd did not enter this field."

Regarding the accusation that he injured a police officer, he categorically denied it.

The prosecutor had requested a three-month prison sentence and a fine of 50,000 CFA francs. Ultimately, the court upheld only one charge (illegal possession of a weapon), acquitting the defendant of the other charges.