By Mohamed J Kargbo
Eighteen-year-old student Abdul Alpha Turay and 49-year-old security guard Amara Sesay made another appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown.
They are charged with two counts of murder for allegedly killing Amara Mansaray, contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1816.
The charge sheet states that on April 10, 2024, at Coker Drive off Regent Road Lumley, Freetown, the accused, along with unknown persons, conspired to murder Amara Mansaray. It was also alleged that on the same date and place, they carried out the murder.
Inspector Mabel M. Tarawally led the prosecution, calling the second witness, Kojo Maxwell, a tiler. Maxwell testified that he recognized the accused in relation to the case and identified the deceased as his best friend.
On April 10, 2024, around 5:00 AM, the deceased mentioned needing money and intending to sell some fence sticks. Maxwell later heard a commotion inside the mosque but found the gate locked when he attempted to enter.
During cross-examination, defense lawyer D. Barrie questioned Maxwell’s account. Maxwell stated he saw the first accused hitting the deceased around 6:00 AM, and the second accused moving the deceased to the restroom area of the mosque.
Barrie challenged the credibility of Maxwell’s testimony, but Maxwell insisted he was telling the truth.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura remanded the accused to the Male Correctional Center at Pademba Road. The case is adjourned to July 22, 2024, for further hearings.
