By: Audrey Raymonda John
Humunatu Agnes Gbla, a 33-year-old businesswoman, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Friday, 21st March 2025. She has been committed to the High Court to face three charges: causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The prosecution alleges that on August 7th, 2024, at Parsonage Street, Kissy, Western Area, Freetown, Gbla intentionally inflicted grievous bodily harm on Ibrahim Habib Tarawalie. She is also accused of malicious wounding and assaulting him, causing serious injuries.
Upon her first appearance, the charges were read and explained to the accused, but no plea was taken.
In an effort to establish sufficient evidence against Gbla, Prosecutor Inspector Sellu TAP called four witnesses, including a formal witness who tendered various exhibits in support of the prosecution’s case. The defense counsel, A. Freeman Esq., cross-examined the witnesses before the file was withdrawn for ruling.
Magistrate Kekura delivered his ruling, stating that both the prosecution and defense had closed their cases. He explained that his responsibility was now to examine all the evidence presented, including the statement made by the accused person to the police. If sufficient evidence was found, the matter would be committed to the High Court in accordance with Section 120 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965. If insufficient evidence was found, the case would be discharged pursuant to Section 118 of the same Act.
Magistrate Kekura noted that in her statement to the police, the accused had admitted to the allegations. Furthermore, during cross-examination, it was put to the accused that she had used a knife to stab the complainant, and she confirmed this. The medical report on the complainant showed a major laceration, supporting the prosecution’s case.
After reviewing the evidence, Magistrate Kekura stated that the prosecution’s witnesses had convinced him that the accused had a case to answer. As a result, he committed the matter to the High Court in accordance with Section 120 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965. The accused’s bail continues.
