By: Audrey Raymonda John
Sidiki Kondeh, a former Navy employee, has been arrested and charged with store breaking and larceny under Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916. Kondeh is accused of unlawfully entering a military garage and stealing valuable auto parts and tools.
According to court documents, the alleged theft took place on Monday, 11th August 2025, at the Navy Garage, located within the Navy Compound in Freetown. Kondeh is said to have stolen the following items two motor alternators and a vehicle part valued at NLe 3,000, one drilling machine worth NLe 500, one vehicle station valued at NLe 1,500 and three pairs of sneakers (crape) worth NLe 3,000 in total
The total value of the stolen property is estimated at NLe 8,000, all of which belonged to Alpha Sawaneh, a military mechanic attached to the Navy.
The second prosecution witness, Mohamed Mansaray, a military personnel residing at Hill Station, testified before the court and confirmed that Sawaneh was his co-worker. Mansaray further stated that Kondeh had previously worked within the same compound.
Mansaray recalled that on the morning of the theft, Sawaneh informed him that several items had been stolen from his garage. A thorough investigation ensued, and suspicion quickly fell on Kondeh.
A search was conducted at Kondeh’s residence, where authorities found him inside the apartment. Upon further investigation, two alternators and other car parts believed to be stolen were discovered.
When questioned, Kondeh allegedly claimed that the items had been given to him for repairs. However, law enforcement officials were not convinced by his explanation and promptly handed him over to Sawaneh. A formal report was subsequently filed at the police station.
The matter has been adjourned to 4th September 2025 for further proceedings.