A burglary committed in broad daylight in Colobane had a rather unusual outcome. Taking advantage of S. Samb's absence, a man named I. Sarr broke into his apartment around 3 p.m. after forcing the door open.

A significant haul

The thief made off with eight watches, a silver bracelet, a drone, a television, six pieces of Getzner fabric, numerous luxury clothing items (estimated at 180,000 CFA francs each), and 100,000 CFA francs in cash. During the hearing before the Dakar Magistrates' Court, reported by Le Soleil, the victim assessed the total loss at 600,000 CFA francs, including damage to his television screen.

The fatal mistake under the prayer rug

The investigation took a decisive turn thanks to an incredible blunder by the perpetrator. While tidying his room around 1 a.m., S. Samb discovered a cell phone hidden under a prayer rug. This clue, left behind by the burglar during his escape, led to his identification and swift arrest. Before the judge, I. Sarr confessed to the crime, attempting to justify it by claiming he was intoxicated at the time of the theft.

Prison sentence for the thief, suspended sentence for the receiver of stolen goods

The court also ruled on the fate of T. Konaté, who was being prosecuted for receiving stolen goods. Konaté, who had bought the television and five watches, claimed he had wanted to help Sarr finance his son's baptism, unaware of the goods' illicit origin. This line of defense failed to convince the court.

I. Sarr was sentenced to three years in prison, while T. Konaté received a three-month suspended sentence and a fine of 50,000 FCFA. The two men will also have to jointly pay 600,000 FCFA to the victim in compensation for the damages suffered, the national daily newspaper added.