By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mohamed Kamara has been charged with fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20 (iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916, after allegedly stealing a commercial minibus (poda-poda) and later returning it in a vandalized condition.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Wednesday, 9th July 2025, Kamara fraudulently took a poda-poda (registration number AVR-143) for his own use at the Lumley parking ground in Freetown. The vehicle contained the following items: three wheel tyres valued at Le 7,500, five passenger seats valued at Le 9,500, one Danta-labeled vehicle battery worth Le 1,600, one vehicle key worth Le 2,500 and one fire extinguisher costing Le 500
The total value of the converted property was estimated at Le 21,600.
Samuel Kargbo, the prosecution’s key witness and Kamara’s co-worker, testified before Magistrate Soa Mamakoh Kallon at Pademba Road Court No. 3. Kargbo confirmed that Kamara was his co-worker and that the complainant was their boss. Kargbo recounted that on the morning of the incident, around 6 a.m., Kamara took the poda-poda to operate along the Circular Road to Regent Road-Lumley route.
At the end of the workday, Kargbo suggested they meet with their boss to deliver the earnings from the day’s work. However, Kamara disappeared with the vehicle and switched off his phone. Twelve days passed with no sign of Kamara or the vehicle, prompting the complainant to report the matter to the Lumley Police Station, which led to Kargbo’s brief detention.
Kargbo later discovered via social media that the missing vehicle had been spotted in Kenema District. The complainant traveled to Kenema and recovered the poda-poda, which had been severely vandalized—missing seats, the battery, seatbelts, and in a generally poor condition.
Once the vehicle was recovered, Kargbo was released from custody. A week later, Kargbo received a tip-off that Kamara had been seen in Waterloo. He immediately alerted officers at the Waterloo Police Division, leading to Kamara’s arrest.
Following his arrest, Kamara reportedly confessed to the offence and provided a full statement at the Lumley Police Station. In court, Kamara pleaded guilty to all charges.
The matter has been adjourned to 3rd September 2025 for sentencing.