Thiès: A dispute over 7,000 CFA francs turns tragic; a dockworker faces 10 years in prison.

The Criminal Chamber of the Thiès High Court examined a murder case between Mr. CI Ndiaye and his friend C. Diaw. Initially charged with murder, the accused is suspected of having fatally stabbed the victim following a violent altercation that occurred on the night of September 6, 2022, in Thiès.

According to the investigation, the two men, who worked as dockworkers, had unloaded a container together. A dispute then arose over the division of their earnings. CI Ndiaye demanded 7,000 CFA francs from his friend, which he believed was owed to him. Tired of these repeated demands, C. Diaw reportedly asked him to stop asking for the money, triggering a fight between the two friends.

During the altercation, CI Ndiaye stabbed C. Diaw with a knife, who succumbed to severe blood loss. Arrested, he was remanded in custody before being sent to trial before the criminal court.

In court, the defendant admitted to fighting with the victim and injuring him, while denying any intention to kill him. "I was on my way when C. Diaw attacked me from behind. He had the upper hand during the fight. I was exhausted and, to get away, I stabbed him. I don't know where the knife came from; I picked it up there. I wasn't armed," he stated.

He also emphasized the close friendship he shared with the victim, noting that their two families knew each other well. The deceased's relatives confirmed this relationship. His brother, O. Diaw, and his wife indicated that CI Ndiaye was a frequent visitor to their home.

In his closing argument, the public prosecutor stated that premeditation, a constituent element of murder, had not been established. He noted that the accused had remained at the scene after the events, expressing remorse.

On the other hand, the public prosecutor considered that the intent to kill was established, emphasizing that the blow had been struck with a knife on a vital part of the victim's body.

The prosecution has therefore requested that the charges be changed from assassination to murder, before requesting a ten-year prison sentence.

The defense, led by Mr. Sy, argued that there was no evidence of premeditation. The lawyer also contested the intent to kill, noting that his client had remained at the scene, repeatedly saying, "I didn't want to stab you, I didn't want to kill you."

Believing that these elements demonstrated the absence of intent to kill, the defense argued for the charges to be reduced to voluntary assault and battery resulting in death without intent to kill. Failing that, they requested leniency in the application of the law.

Deliberated on September 7, 2026.