By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 61-year-old businesswoman, her 24-year-old daughter, and a 41-year-old man have been committed to the High Court in Freetown to stand trial for alleged murder.
The three accused persons – Sylvia Wlatee, her daughter Esther Wlatee, a petty trader, and Milton Brown – were committed by Principal Magistrate Briam Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 after the court determined that sufficient evidence had been presented by the prosecution to warrant a trial at the High Court.
They are facing two counts of conspiracy to murder, contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and murder, contrary to Section 1 of the same Act, as repealed and replaced by Section 1(a) of the Schedule to the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021, Act No. 6 of 2022.
In his ruling, Magistrate Jah stated that, having carefully considered the evidence presented by the prosecution, he was satisfied that a prima facie case had been established against the accused persons.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at No. 12 Settra Kroo Street, Western Area, Freetown, the accused persons allegedly conspired with other persons unknown to murder Hannah Williams.
The second count further alleges that on the same date and at the same location, the accused persons murdered Hannah Williams.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, no plea was taken, as the matter was before the court for committal proceedings.
The prosecution was represented by Deputy Superintendent of Police Eric Deen Esq., while M. Sesay Esq. represented all three accused persons.
Following his ruling, Magistrate Jah refused bail and committed the accused persons to the High Court in Freetown to stand trial.
The accused persons have been remanded at the Male and Female Correctional Centres in Freetown pending further proceedings before the High Court.