By Blessing Cole
Twenty-six-year-old Alusine Kamara, a mastic designer, and twenty-four-year-old Musa Turay, a mason, made their first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.
They face charges of conspiracy and larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the prosecution, on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Villa 15 Hill Station in the Mountain Rural District, Western Area, Freetown, Kamara and Turay conspired with unknown persons to commit theft.
The second charge alleges that on the same date and location, the accused stole twenty-two cartons of floor tiles, one blue paper machine, and one gallon of red oil paint, with a total value of sixteen thousand five hundred Leones (Le 16,500), property of Ashimiru Lahai.
Both accused pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led the prosecution, presenting Ashimiru Lahai, a seamstress, as the first witness. Lahai testified that she recognized Kamara, who had previously worked for her, and Turay.
She recalled that on June 7, 2024, around 1 to 2 a.m., she heard a loud bang on her gate amidst the rain. Alerting her husband, they went out to notify the security guards and found five men holding the accused.
The guards reported catching Kamara and Turay with twelve cartons of tiles. They returned ten cartons to the OSD officer of the Minister of Lands and brought the remaining two as evidence.
Lahai further testified that she checked her house before heading to the police station and confirmed the theft of twenty-two cartons of tiles, one gallon of paint, and one blue paper machine, all valued at Le 16,500. She subsequently made a statement to the police.
During cross-examination, the accused questioned the witness’s testimony. Magistrate Bangura denied bail and remanded the accused to the Male Correctional Center in Freetown. The case is adjourned until July 3, 2024, for further proceedings.
