By Jeneba A Conteh
Chief Superintendent of Police Mohamed Turay, the Officer-in-Charge at Lumley Police Division, took the stand on May 8, 2024, to testify against Alie Jaffal and six other Lebanese individuals before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown.
The defendants were facing a litany of charges including wounding, assault, occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, throwing missiles, and disorderly conduct, stemming from an incident at the Young Sport Club (YSC) facility on Wilkinson Road in Freetown on April 6, 2024.
According to the police charges, the accused allegedly maliciously wounded Adam Hamdan and Mohamed Aroune, as well as engaging in a fight with intent to cause fear among the public.
Additionally, they were accused of throwing stones and behaving disorderly in a public place.
Upon the reading and explanation of the charges, the accused pleaded not guilty.
Chief Superintendent Mohamed Turay testified that upon receiving a distressed call from the regional commander, he deployed personnel to the YSC facility where they encountered Lebanese individuals in a state of agitation.
He instructed them to remain on the premises while the situation was brought under control. Subsequently, the accused individuals, including Alie Jaffal and his brothers, were arrested and brought to the police station.
During cross-examination by defense counsel V.S Kamara Esq, the witness recounted the events leading to the arrests and the handling of a firearm allegedly disarmed from Alie Jaffal by Toffic Dawie.
Magistrate Bangura adjourned the proceedings to May 14, 2024, with bail remaining in place for the accused persons as legal proceedings continue.
