By: Audrey Raymonda John
Brima Kargbo, a driver, has been remanded in custody for allegedly stealing from a blind, homeless woman in Freetown. On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Kargbo appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, charged with one count of larceny.
According to the police report, the alleged incident occurred on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Freetown Road in Lumley. Kargbo is accused of stealing a Techno Spark 20 mobile phone valued at NLe 3,000, a plastic bag containing twenty cups of rice worth NLe 100, and NLe 100 in cash — totaling a value of NLe 3,200. The stolen items reportedly belonged to Aminata Taylor.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Theresa Ballay led Aminata Taylor, the first prosecution witness, in examination-in-chief. Taylor, who is blind, informed the court that she is homeless and originally from Bo District. She said she usually sleeps in front of Zenith Bank at Lumley with her son.
Taylor recounted that on the morning of May 28, at around 5 a.m. during rainfall, Kargbo approached and positioned himself between her and her son. Her son, who is sighted, was shivering from the cold. She alleged that Kargbo then took her bag, two phones, and NLe 100 cash while they were asleep.
According to Taylor, the incident came to light when a cleaner from Zenith Bank, familiar with the homeless people in the area, noticed something unusual and shouted “thief.” Kargbo reportedly tried to escape but was quickly apprehended by a security guard.
Upon waking, Taylor realized her belongings were missing. A bystander then directed her toward Kargbo. She claimed that when she held on to his trousers and others intervened, her button phone was found in his pocket. He was subsequently arrested and taken to Lumley Police Station, where Taylor also provided a statement.
During cross-examination, the unrepresented Kargbo asked Taylor whether she had seen him take her phone. Taylor replied that she is blind and could not witness the act directly but insisted that her phone was found in his possession.
Magistrate Fornah denied bail and ordered that Kargbo be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown. The case was adjourned to June 25, 2025.