By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mohamed Sesay, a labourer, made his first appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at the Pademba Road Court No. 4 in Freetown on a charge of Malicious Damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861.
According to the particulars of the offence, on April 27, 2025, at Congo Cross in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly maliciously damaged a grey and white Mocn diesel truck (registration number AHM 388) by cutting its electrical cables. The cables, valued at Le73,393, are the property of Robert Coker.
When the charge was read and explained to him in court, Sesay pleaded not guilty.
Prosecution Witness 1, Ibrahim Sesay, a driver, testified that he recognized the accused on the day of the incident. He recalled that on April 27, 2025, while on Technical Water Street, he saw Mohamed Sesay inside the truck, cutting its cables with scissors. When confronted, the accused allegedly threatened to stab him if he came closer. The witness then called Foday Bangura for assistance. Together, they apprehended the accused and took him to the Congo Cross Police Station, where a report was made. The witness stated that the truck’s entire electrical system, including the brain box, was damaged.
Prosecution Witness 2, Foday Bangura, a security officer at Ballani, testified that he recognized the accused, who was known to park his vehicle in their compound. On the day in question, he responded to the call for help from the first witness. Upon arrival at the scene, he found the accused standing in front of the truck with scissors and electrical cables in his hands. Bangura said he called two passersby for assistance, and together they apprehended the accused and handed him over to the Congo Cross Police Station, where a statement was later obtained.
The accused, who was not legally represented, cross-examined the witnesses himself.
Magistrate Samura denied bail and remanded Mohamed Sesay at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to May 30, 2025.