The Bangui High Court on Thursday, September 3, convicted Didier Martial Pabandji for assault and battery and insults against magistrate Ruperte Banta. This conviction followed a detailed review of the evidence presented during the proceedings. The court sentenced Mr. Pabandji to one year in prison, which was suspended. In addition to the suspended sentence, he was ordered to pay a fine of 400,000 CFA francs. The court also mandated Mr. Pabandji to pay 3 million CFA francs in damages to the plaintiff, Ms. Banta, as compensation for the alleged harm caused.
Details of the Incident
The incident dates back to April 2026, occurring in Landja-Mboko, located in the 9th arrondissement of Bangui. The dispute originated from a land conflict concerning the non-observance of property boundaries between plots belonging to Didier Martial Pabandji and Ruperte Banta. This disagreement over land demarcation escalated into the events that led to the court case. The civil party alleged that Mr. Pabandji moved the boundaries of the adjacent plot, occupying a section of land measuring 13 meters in width and 150 meters in length. This alleged encroachment was central to the plaintiff's case.
During the proceedings, the civil party presented video evidence, which they claimed depicted physical violence, death threats, and insults directed by Mr. Pabandji against Ms. Banta. These videos were offered as key proof of the defendant's actions. The plaintiff claimed she was jostled during the altercation, resulting in a knee injury that hindered her normal activities. To substantiate the injury claim and its impact on her daily life, a medical certificate was submitted to the court. The certificate detailed the nature of the injury and its consequences for Ms. Banta.
Conflicting Accounts and Defense Arguments
Defense lawyers for Didier Martial Pabandji asserted that the magistrate, Ruperte Banta, had allegedly moved their client's property boundaries, prompting his objection. This counter-allegation formed a significant part of the defense's strategy, suggesting that Mr. Pabandji was reacting to an initial provocation. The defense also raised doubts regarding the authenticity of the medical certificate presented by Ms. Banta. They noted that the certificate was issued in the Bossembélé health district, while the alleged incident of assault and insults occurred in Bangui, questioning the discrepancy in location and implying potential irregularities. This geographical inconsistency was presented as a reason to discredit the medical evidence.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
During the court proceedings, the public prosecutor requested a one-year suspended prison sentence for Didier Martial Pabandji. This request reflected the prosecution's assessment of the gravity of the offenses committed. The prosecution also sought a fine of one million CFA francs in addition to the suspended term, aiming for both punitive and deterrent measures. Conversely, Mr. Pabandji's defense lawyers argued for his immediate provisional release. They presented their arguments to the court, seeking to have their client freed pending further legal processes, emphasizing their belief in his innocence or at least the need for a less severe immediate outcome. The defense maintained that the evidence did not fully support the charges brought against their client.
Defense Response and Future Steps
Following the court's decision, Didier Martial Pabandji's defense lawyers stated their intention to appeal the verdict. This announcement signals their dissatisfaction with the court's findings and their commitment to challenging the ruling. The legal team indicated they would pursue further action to challenge the conviction and the associated penalties, including the suspended prison sentence, the fine, and the damages awarded. Their appeal aims to revisit the court's findings regarding the assault, insults, and the financial reparations awarded to Ms. Ruperte Banta. This move signals a continuation of the legal proceedings in the land dispute case that led to Mr. Pabandji's conviction, suggesting a prolonged legal battle ahead. The defense lawyers are prepared to present new arguments and evidence in a higher court to seek a different outcome for their client.
