By: Audrey Raymonda John
Prosecution witness, Massah Rogers told the court that her elder brother, who doubles as the accused used invective languages on her and threatened to kill her if he refused to leave their father’s property alone.
Massah made this disclosure during her evidence in chief before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Ross Court No. 3.
Massah bursted into tears why explaining in court what transpired between her and the accused.
She said she recalled 12th October 2023.
On that date, she said the accused was flogging his daughter, whose name was not disclosed.
She said their mother tried to separate them and suddenly, the accused started abusing her.
Massah said when she intervened to rescue the accused’s daughter, the accused made it known to her that he was no longer interested in his daughter, but rather she.
During the process, the accused threatened to kill her and take possession of their father’s property, assuring her that if she refused to leave the property in question.
She said the accused further threatened to consult a witch doctor to take her life.
“The incident unfolded in presence of neighbours which warranted me to report the matter to nearest the police post.
“My Lord, the accused molested me in the eyes of the public and I felt ashamed,” she explained in tears.
During cross examination by defence counsel Musa Abdulaih Kamara confronted the witness that the alleged incident purportedly occurred at their compound, to which she responded in the affirmative.
Lawyer Kamara asked the complainant if she was speaking terms with the accused prior to the incident. In reply, she answered yes.
He asked the witness if the accused was specifically abusing her.
Responding, she said yes, this is because the accused was pointing his on her forehead. Massah confirmed to the court that the accused had issues with her for the past nineteen (19) years.
She added the accused have asked her numerous times to vacate the said premises.
“My Lord, I did not bring him to court for the misunderstanding between us, but rather for the invective words and threaten against my life,” she sated.
Prosecuting counsel assured the court that on next adjourned date to lead the second prosecution witness.
Magistrate Daboh denied the accused bail and remanded at the Male Correctional Centre on Pa Demba Road in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 17th November, 2023 for further hearing.