By: Audrey Raymonda John
30 years old Festus Thomas who was arrested on the 11th August 2023 by Detective Police Constable DPC 14109 Sesay I. J has appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No.1 for allegedly breaking into Theresa Grace Masuba’s house and stealing therein microwave two big pots and other kitchen utensils valued at NLe1, 950.
The accused was arraigned before the court on two counts charges of store breaking and larceny contrary to section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1965.
It was alleged that the accused on Thursday 10th August 2023 at Grandille Lane in Kissy Brook , Freetown, entered into the complainant’s kitchen and stole their a microwave, two big pots and other kitchen utensils worth NLe1,950.
Led in evidence by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Osman M. Bangura prosecution (PW) 1, Theresa Mansuba residing at Kissy Brook, in Freetown working for the Ministry of Social Welfare as Social Service Officer recognized the accused as her neighbor.
She said on Thursday 10th August 2023, she was at home, and when she woke up and opened her kitchen door, she discovered that her kitchen roof was damaged and that the ceiling was cut.
She said she discovered that the kitchen was ransacked and that her microwave, two big pots, aluminum mortar and other kitchen utensils worth valued at NLe1, 950 belonging to the complainant.
She said she called upon her landlady, Matta Taylor and other neighbors and narrated the incident to them.
Based on that she said she reported the matter to the Ross Road Police Station, Harbour Division in Freetown, where she made a statement.
Madam Masuba furthered stated that she and a team of police officers left for the crime scene and upon their arrival, they took photographs of the scene.
She concluded staying that she was later upon at the Ross Road Police Station and identified the accused to the police.
She said the accused was arrested by his aunt and was taken to Ross Road Police Station.
‘In my presence when the police interrogated the accused regarding the allegations, he admitted of stealing the items. The accused led us to a shop at Racecourse Road in Freetown where he allegedly sold stolen items. When a search was conducted at the said shop, nothing of police interest was discovered; Madam Masuba concluded her evidence in chief.
The accused was unrepresented, was given the chance by magistrate Sahr Kekura to cross examined the witness.
Responding, he told the court that he had no questions for the witness and pleaded for mercy.
The accused was denied bail and ordered to be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to the 5th of October 2023.