By: Audrey John
Magistrate Mark Ngegba of the Pademba Road Court No.2 on the 21st September 2022 refused 55 accused persons bail for allegedly involving in the August 10 protest.
The accused Mabinty Bangura, Mohamed Jalloh, Kadiatu Kamara, Osman Junior Kamara, Maseray Bangura, Kadiatu Bangura, Mohamed Kargbo and 48 have been investigated for twenty one count charges ranging from disorderly behaviour, riotous conduct, malicious damage, loitering, carrying offensive weapon and throwing missiles contrary to law.
According to the particulars of offence, on Wednesday 10th August, 2022 at various locations within Freetown, the accused behaved in a riotous and disorderly manner, they were found throwing missiles and loitering within Freetown, they maliciously damage K-Step Police Post, Kissy police post, Congo Water Police Post, Approved School Police Post, Wellington Police Post and amongst others.
Fourth Prosecution witness (PW4) detective Inspector Abdulai Kamara attached to the Criminal Investigation Department kissy police station has explained role he played in investigating fifty-five alleged rioters of August 10th incident.
Led in evidence Assistant Superintendent of Police Ibrahim S Mansaray, the witness recognised all the accused persons in the matter.
He said on Wednesday 10th of August 2022, he was on duty at the Criminal Investigation Department kissy police station when all the accused person were brought in for investigation.
He said they were brought in for incident that took place on the above date for riotous conduct, disorderly behaviour, insulting behaviour, loitering, malicious damage, carrying offensive weapon and throwing missiles.
The witness said between the 11th and 13th August 2022, a team of investigators obtained statements from the accused persons separately.
He said they were cautioned and questioned in krio ,their statement are recorded in English and in conclusion their statement are read to them and they admitted it to be true and correct, signed by affixing their right hand thumb print.
At the end of his examination in chief, the police witness produced and tendered recorded statements of all accused person as exhibit to form part of the prosecution’s case.
Counsel defending all accused persons cross examined the witness separately.
Defence counsels re applied for bail on behalf of their clients. The application was refused and the matter was adjourned to the 23rd of September 2022 for continuation.