By Mohamed J Kargbo
Alpha Jalloh, Alusine Conteh, and Mohamed Lamin Kamara appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown, facing three charges.
The charges include Connspiracy to Commit a Felony contrary to law, Store Breaking and Larceny contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act 1916, and Receiving Stolen Goods contrary to Section 33(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of the offense, on Monday, April 15, 2024, at #25 Wilkinson Road in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused conspired with others unknown to commit store breaking and larceny. Count two further stated that the first and second accused, with intent to steal, broke into Issam Basma’s store and stole 322 iron props valued at 161,000 Leones.
Count three stated that the third accused received 200 iron props worth 100,000 Leones, knowing them to be stolen property of Issam Basma.
DPC 18325 Thoronka K.K. led the prosecution, with Sergeant 8773 Fatmata Bridget Turay of the Lumley Police Station as the third witness.
She recognized the complainant and the accused on April 15, 2024, when a store breaking case was reported. She and Sergeant 11640 Conteh T.J. took photographs of the crime scene and obtained statements from the complainant and witnesses.
On April 16 and 17, 2024, the first and second accused were arrested, and caution statements were obtained in Krio and recorded in English by Sergeant 11640 Conteh T.J., with Turay signing as the recorder.
The statements were produced and tendered in court as evidence. On April 24, 2024, the accused were charged with the offenses for which they are standing trial.
The defense counsel, I. Smith, cross-examined the witness and renewed previous bail applications, which Magistrate Bangura refused. The accused were remanded at the male correctional facility in Freetown, and the matter was adjourned to May 24, 2024.
