By Jeneba A Conteh
Hakim Kargbo, a civil servant at the Ministry of Lands, made his first appearance before Magistrate Peter Brima Gogra at Pademba Road Court No.6 in Freetown, facing five charges: trespass, robbery, intimidation, insulting conduct, and indecent behavior.
According to the indictment, on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Gwen Height Hill Cut Road in Freetown, Kargbo unlawfully entered the premises of Veronica Adama Aruna despite being forbidden. He is also accused of robbing Aruna of $3,000, using personal violence during the robbery, making threatening statements, and behaving indecently.
Prosecution witness Veronica Adama Aruna, an entrepreneur, testified that Kargbo, her neighbor, assaulted her while she was on her veranda. She recounted being hit in the face and slapped twice, after which she called for help. Kargbo allegedly took her phone, pushed her down the steps, and caused her to fracture a bone.
Aruna further testified that Mrs. Josephine Kamara tried to intervene, but Kargbo threatened to beat her as well. He then threw a hammer at Aruna, causing a cut on her head. When Aruna arrived at the police station, Kargbo was already there attempting to file a report.
Aruna, bleeding from her head, was issued a medical request form and received treatment at Connaught Hospital. She claimed the $3,000 in her bag was thrown away by Kargbo during the altercation.
Defense counsel C. Johnson Esq applied for bail, explaining that Kargbo is a Sierra Leonean with reliable sureties who would ensure he does not interfere with witnesses or flee. Citing Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965, Johnson emphasized Kargbo’s willingness to comply with bail conditions.
Magistrate Gogra granted bail to Kargbo in the sum of 50,000 Leones, with two sureties of the same amount. The sureties must reside in the Western Area of Freetown and provide valid national passports for identification.
The bail is subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar. The matter was adjourned to June 1, 2024, for further hearings.
