By: Audrey Raymonda John
Mabinty Turay, a businesswoman, and Jonathan John, a technician, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown on three charges: causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, in violation of Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at No. 6 Crooked Lane, Western Area, Freetown, the accused allegedly caused grievous bodily harm to Salaymatu Bangura with the intent to harm her. On the second and third counts, they are accused of maliciously wounding and assaulting Salaymatu Bangura, resulting in actual bodily harm.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, they did not enter a plea.
Sergeant 8811 Florence M. Wilson led the prosecution with witness testimony from Salaymatu Bangura, a businesswoman. She identified the accused as her close neighbors. Bangura recalled that on March 1, 2025, while in her room, she heard the first accused playing loud music. The first accused came to her apartment, and when she attempted to leave, the first accused allegedly pushed her twice. As she tried to pick up her mobile phone, which had fallen, she was struck sharply on the face, causing a temporary blackout. Bangura said she was then bitten by the first accused on her stomach, after which the second accused joined in and kicked her in the stomach. The attack caused her significant pain.
Bangura then went to Ross Road Police Station to report the incident, and by that time, she was bleeding. The police photographed her injuries using a mobile phone and issued a medical request form. She was examined and treated at Connaught Hospital, and the medical form was incorporated into her report. The photos taken by the police were shown in court for identification, and the results of a scan conducted at Connaught Hospital were also presented. Bangura later made a statement to the police.
The accused were represented by A. Samba Esq.
Magistrate Bangura granted bail to both accused in the amount of 100,000 Leones each, with two sureties in the same sum. The sureties must reside in Freetown and provide valid identification with proof of address. The bail is subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar. The matter has been adjourned to April 3, 2025.