By: Audrey Raymonda John
Safiatu Bendu and Hawa Kargbo business women have been dragged to court by complainant Mohamed Fonnie for receiving stolen money to the tune of one hundred thousand Leones (Le 100,000).
They were dragged to court after police investigation for preliminary hearings on two count charges of conspiracy to commit felony to with larceny and received stolen money contrary to section 33(1) of the larceny Act of 1916.
It was alleged in count on that on Wednesday 18th July 2023 at Lamina Sankoh Street both accused conspired with other persons unknown to commit felony.
In count two, the police also alleged that both accused received the sum of one hundred thousand Leones knowing same to have been or lawfully obtained from complainant Mohamed Fonnie.
After the charges have been put to the accused persons, the prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police MB Conteh said he could have love to make a token start on the matter but he is only coming in touch with the complainant for the first time.
He therefore, requested from the bench a short adjournment date in order for him to have proper conference with complainant and his witnesses.
Defense counsel A Conteh made an application for bail on behalf of his clients citing section 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
Among other things defense counsel said the charges are mere allegation and the evidence is yet to be tested.
Defense counsel further said bail is at the discretion of the bench and that discretion he canvassed. He the prosecutor has just served him the affidavit in opposition to bail which he ought to have done earlier.
Having heard the application of bail and perusing the affidavit in opposition, Magistrate Sahr Kekura refused the accused persons bail and adjourned the matter to Monday the 7th of August 2023 for preliminary hearings.