By: Audrey Raymonda John
Sidiki Kondeh was arrested on August 13, 2025, and charged with Store Breaking and Larceny, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to court documents, Kondeh allegedly broke into the Navy Garage at the Navy Compound in Freetown on Monday, August 11, 2025, and stole various car parts and tools, including: Two motor alternators and a vehicle part valued at NLe 3,000, one drilling machine worth NLe 500, one vehicle station valued at NLe 1,500
Three pairs of sneakers (crape), each worth NLe 1,000, totaling NLe 3,000.
The total value of the stolen items is estimated at NLe 8,000, all of which belonged to Alpha Sawaneh, a military mechanic attached to the Navy.
Prosecution witness Alpha Sawaneh, a military officer residing at MQ 33 Murray Town, testified before Magistrate Soa Mamakoh Kallon at the Freetown Magistrate Court. Sawaneh stated that on the morning of August 11, around 4 a.m., he returned from a tour in the provinces. Upon arriving at the garage, he discovered that the door had been broken and several valuable items had been stolen from his superior’s vehicle.
After discovering the theft, Sawaneh reported the incident to the police. He, along with fellow officers Mansaray (a police officer) and soldier Poto Kamara, conducted a search for the stolen items. Sawaneh testified that the missing goods were found at the apartment of the accused, Sidiki Kondeh. His colleagues retrieved the stolen property and handed it over to the Marin Police Station, where Sawaneh later identified the items.
The case is ongoing as investigations continue. The matter was adjourned to September 1, 2025, with Kondeh remanded in custody until then.