By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 has remanded Santigie Kamara, a casino clerk, on charges of allegedly stealing betting chips from Golden Beach Casino.
Kamara is facing a single charge of Larceny by Servant, contrary to Section 17(1)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, between April and July 2024, Kamara, who was employed as a clerk at Golden Beach Casino on Beach Road, Aberdeen, allegedly stole betting chips valued at Le 679,590, the property of the casino.
When the charge was read to the defendant, no plea was entered.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sorie Conteh led Prosecution Witness Number Five, Kindo Papa Kamara, who testified that he resides at No. 20 Temgbeh Town in Freetown and is familiar with both the complainant and the defendant. He stated that on 12th July 2024, a case of larceny was reported to the GROH 2 Police Station and assigned to him for investigation.
The witness explained that, along with the complainant and the defendant, he visited the scene of the alleged crime, where the complainant identified the defendant through CCTV footage.
Additionally, Detective Police Constable (D/PC) 13169 Moifory M. obtained a voluntary caution statement from the accused. The defendant was cautioned and questioned in Krio, while his statement was recorded in English, read back to him, and explained in Krio. The accused confirmed the statement’s accuracy by affixing his right-hand thumbprint, which was witnessed by D/PC 13169 Moifory M., who also signed as the recorder. The statement was later tendered in court as Exhibit B1-6.
The complainant also tendered a document detailing the stolen chips from April to July 2024, which was marked as Exhibit C1-2.
Another voluntary caution statement from the accused, obtained on 14th July 2024, was also submitted as Exhibit D1-3. The witness concluded that the investigation file was subsequently transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters for further investigation.
The witness was cross-examined by the defense.
Magistrate Fornah denied bail and ordered that the defendant be sent to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The matter has been adjourned to 21st October 2025 for further hearing.