A disturbing case unfolding at the High Court in Banjul has put a 76-year-old Dutch national at the centre of allegations that he posed as a medical doctor to gain access to and sexually exploit multiple young Gambian women.
The accused, Jan De Jager, is currently facing serious allegations arising from an investigation into his activities in The Gambia.
According to the case file, which is currently before the AG Chambers for further review, police officers who searched De Jager’s residence in Kololi allegedly discovered several sex toys and drugs, including Diazepam, Oxazepam and Talodol. Investigators also reportedly found sexually explicit videos and nude photographs of several young women on his tablet.
One of the alleged victims, a student at The Gambia College, told investigators that De Jager offered her and a friend a lift in his vehicle. According to her account, he introduced himself as a retired medical doctor who had come to The Gambia to help poor people.
The young woman later allegedly told him that she was suffering from an infection and might need medical assistance. De Jager reportedly gave her his telephone number and invited her to his home in Kololi for what he described as a medical examination.
She said she later visited the house with a friend. However, according to her statement, she was called alone into a room that De Jager allegedly described as a consultation room.
The woman alleged that he asked her to remove her clothes before carrying out an examination and inserting his fingers and other objects into her private parts. She further claimed that he was not wearing gloves and that he secretly recorded the encounter.
According to the case file, the two later entered into a relationship and had consensual sexual relations, which were also allegedly recorded.
Another woman, who said she was 17 at the time, told investigators that she first met De Jager at Solomon Beach. She said that after their meeting, he travelled to the Netherlands.
When De Jager later returned to The Gambia, she said he contacted her and told her he had gifts for her, including a mobile phone. She went to his house, where she alleged that they had sex after he gave her the gifts.
Since his arrest, De Jager has reportedly been remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison.
With multiple alleged victims expected to testify, the trial could take considerable time to conclude. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence regarding allegations that De Jager used his claimed identity as a medical professional to gain the trust of young women.