By: Audrey John
Magistrate Mark Ngegba of the Pademba Road Court No.2 yesterday 7th July, 2022 sent Sahid Kasim Watffa alias Nathaniel to prison for alleged murder.
The accused Watffa appeared before the Court on four count offences of murder and wounding contrary to law.
According to the particulars of offence, on Tuesday 17th May, 2022 at Davies Drive, Hill station in Freetown the accused murdered Staff Sergeant 18172012 Momodu Barrie.
Count Two to four states that on the same day and place the accused maliciously wounded and assaulted Sergeant 18181414 Samuel Tucker in a manner thereby occasioning him actual bodily harm.
The charges were read and explained to the accused person, No plea was taken.
Before the charges were read to the accused, Defense Counsel Francis Gabbidon informed the Court that his client was of unsound minded.
He therefore applied that the accused be sent to the Kissy Mental hospital for a period of 30days. The learned Lawyer made his application by referring the Bench to section 134 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965.
Having heard the application made by defense counsel Magistrate Ngegba said that the section Lawyer Gabbidon referred to is only applicable in the High Court, adding that he would conduct his Preliminary investigation, which according to him; the defense counsel did not produce any medical paper to ascertaining his claims.
At this stage, Police prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police Hawa Bah was ordered to proceed with her case, but she informed the court that her witness was absent.
The matter was adjourned to Tuesday 12th July, 2022.
