the accused was asked in the presence of PW 6 and he admitted to raping PW 1 but pleaded with them for mercy. Despite rigorous and intensive cross-examination by the Defence Counsel, PW 6 narrated virtually the same. There was no material difference between the evidence-in-chief and the crossexamination. PW 7 ALIEU NJIE. He testified that he is a business man and lives at Bakau. That he knows Maget Faal, Alieu Keita, Adama Faal, Ya Nyima Jeng and Alhagie Mendy. He recognizesd the accused person. That on August 8, 2002 whilst in Bakau, he was called by Alieu Keita (PW 5) who informed him that her daughter had been raped and wanted him to go with him to one Alhagie Mendy, the boss of the accused. That on arrival, they explained their mission to Alhagie Mandy who called the accused in their presence and told him that PW 1 had accused him of raping her. The accused denied ever doing so. That Alhagie Mendy told the accused to tell the truth since that was the third time that he committed the same offence. At that point, the accused accepted having committed it. Thereupon they left. Under cross-examination, he reiteterated that he knows the accused and that they are neighbours. That the said meeting was held in Alhagie Mendy’s house but could not remember what time of the day as it was a long time ago. That at the meeting they were three in number but Alhagie Mendy later called the accused who joined them. That he admitted to have committed the offence and was not forced. I must pause to state that the offence was committed in August 2002 which I have inherited at the judgement stage. I did not have the opportunity to have heard and seen any of the witnesses. I am 11