By: Audrey Raymonda John
Kalie Koroma, his neighbors Edwin Clerk and Sallamatu Clerk are before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No 1. For allegedly encroaching on his land situated at Pump Line in Hastings on the outskirts of Freetown.
Led in evidence by prosecuting Counsel Sydney Campbell prosecution witness (PW) 2, Umaru Bah residing at No.4 Old Railway Line in Hastings has explained on oath what he knew about the land saga between his friend, Kali Koroma and his neighbors.
Complainant, Kali Koroma brought in a private summon against his neighbors, Edwin and Salamatu Clerk over a piece of land both are claiming ownership of it.
Taking the witness stand PW 2, Umaru Bah confirmed knowing complainant, Kali Koroma and Edwin clerk and Salamatu Clerk the defendants.
He said he could recall sometimes in March 2023, when the complainant instructed him to accompany him to his land at Pump Line in Hastings on the outskirts of Freetown which he did.
PW2 said upon their arrival, they met some youth together with both defendants working on the said land.
The witness said the complainant enquired from them as to who gave them permission to work on the land.
Responding, he said they told him that it was the defendants who instructed them to work on the land.
He said the complainant informed them that the land belongs to him. The witness said they proceeded to the head man, Salieu Sesay who called the defendants and cautioned them to stay away from the land because they were not the bone-fide owners of land, but they insisted working on the land, which prompted the complainant to bring to court.
At the end of his examination in chief, defense counsel, deferred cross examination.
Prosecuting Counsel Sydney Campbell Esq asked the defense counsel to admonish his clients to stay off the land and complainant until the matter comes to its logical conclusion.
However, magistrate Kekura adjourned the matter to the 22nd August 2023 for further hearings.