By: Audrey Raymonda John
Abubakar Kamara who was arrested on 30th July, 2023, by Detective Police Constable DPC 19940 Kargbo P.S appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No 1 for the offences of conspiracy and larceny contrary to the Larceny Act of 1916.
It was alleged that the accused, on 26th July 2023 at No.18 Kissy Brook Freetown, conspired with unknown persons to commit a crime, to wit larceny.
The charge sheet furthered that the accused, on the same date and place in Freetown, stole an iPhone and cash of one hundred and fifty United States dollars all totaling ten thousand, seven hundred Leones (NLe10,700) belonging to Ishmael Kabia.
Rugiatu Kabia residing at No. 18 Kissy Brook in Freetown, a pupil told the court that she knew the complainant, Ishmael Kabia including the accused in respect of the matter.
She said she could 23rd July, 2023.
The witness on the said date, she was at home having her bath, including her younger brother, whose name was not mentioned, when the accused came to their house.
She said having informed the accused that she was having her bath, the accused promised to visit again at an appropriate time.
After few minutes while she was in her room put on clothes the accused and his friend came at the crime scene and the accused screamed, but she did not responded.
Based on that she said the accused sent her younger, brother inside to call her, but she instructed him to tell them that she was not around.
After few minutes, she heard her mother screaming tif! tif! (Thieves), adding that she rushed outside and saw her mother running after the accused.
The witness said subsequently, the accused was arrested in one of their rooms, noting that when her brother interrogated him in respect of the stolen phone, he, the accused denied allegations but confessed to them that his friend allegedly stolen the phone.
Rugiatu said there were altercations between the accused and his brother the accused assured them that his friend was in possession of the phone.
As a matter of fact, she said the accused led them to a play station center at Ferry Junction in Freetown, where he claimed that his friend was there.
The witness said upon their arrival at the play station center, the accused’s friend was nowhere to be seemed.
She said that warranted them to report the matter to the Ross Road Police Station Harbour Division in Freetown where she made a statement.
During cross examination by accused, he confronted the witness that he was not the one she and her mother was running after in the day in question.
Responding, the witness said he was the one. The accused is still on bail and the matter was adjourned to 13th September, 2023 for further hearings.