September 3, 2021
By: Francis F.M. Harding
The Fifth Police Witness (PW5) ASP Richard Yambasu of Block No.22 of Moyamba Police Barracks attached at the Operation Wing as Operation Officer has testified before Justice M.M. Sesay (JA) on the 31st August, 2021 for an alleged, robbery, conspiracy, rape and sexual violence matter. PW5 said he recognized 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, & the 11th accused persons. Yambasu said he knew Joseph Benedict Mbogba as the chairperson of the Moyamba District Council.
PW5 said he was on duty at the Moyamba Police Station about 1 AM in the morning when he received distresses called from member of the public that group of armed robbers have attacked the St. Joseph Secondary School Compound at Senehun Road. He immediately organized personnel and they left for the St. Joseph Secondary School and unfortunately they do not meet the boys. Witness continued to say that on their way to the Police Station he received another call that a group of boys are heading to Rev. Jean Lahai`s compound.
ASP Yambasu said the chairperson of the Moyamba District Council rushed into the police station and they jointly left for the resident of Rev. Jean Lahai.
He said upon arrival they met one Diallo a Senegalese struggling with the first accused person and they went to rescue Diallo and arrested the first accused.
The Operations Officer said he wore black overall dress and he found with the possession of the first accused person two matches and a blue motorcycle with registration number ADS 667 which were taken together with the first accused person to the Criminal Investigation Department for investigation at the Moyamba Police Station.
PW5 said he immediately informed the commanders at the two check points respectively explaining about the theft at the St. Joseph Secondary School and that of Rev. Jean Lahai compound.
Witness continued to say that other personnel called him and told him that they have arrested two boys whom they suspected to have been among the group who did the theft at Rev. Jean Lahai compound. (5th & 7th accused persons).
The ASP said he was again called by one of the commanders that they have made further arrest (4th accused person) and the 11th & 12th accused persons ran into the nearby bush where the youths ran after them arrested them and brought them to the police.
Under cross examination, defense Lawyer Komba A. Kanu asked PW5 if he was part of the team that went at the resident of Rev. Jean Lahai.
Witness said yes. Defense asked how many of them went at the resident of Rev. Jean Lahai. Witness said they were 10 in numbers. At this juncture the judge asked the State Counsel JAK Sesay how many witnesses he had in this case. The State Counsel said he had 11 witnesses from Moyamba and 2 from Shangie.
Representing the State is Lawyer JAK Sesay while Lawyer Komba A. Kanu is representing all accused persons. The accused persons Amadu Gibao, Alfred Gbassay Sandy, Musa Koroma, Abdulia Kanu, Ansumana Charles, Thomas Willoughby, Claudius Kajue, Banja Tarawallie, Samuel Alpha, Edward John, Ahmed Sesay, Vandy Kamara, Allieu Thoronka, John Sesay, and Alhaji Kamara are standing trial before Justice M.M. Sesay (JA). The matter has been adjourned to the 7th September, 2021 at 10: AM.