By Audrey Raymonda John
Matthew Mendy, a 41-year-old herbalist and Gambian national, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on a charge of Unlawful Possession of Arms, as per Section 22(1) of the Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition Act, 2023 (Act No. 24 of 2023).
The charge alleges that on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi, in Port Loko, Northern Province, Freetown, Mendy was found in possession of one locally made 12 Gauge Caliber Single barrel shotgun without lawful authority.
During the court session, Mendy did not enter a plea after the charge was read and explained to him.
The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ibrahim S. Mansaray, informed the bench that his witness was absent and requested a short adjournment date.
Magistrate Kekura refused bail for Mendy and ordered him to be remanded to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to March 18, 2024.