By: Audrey Raymonda John
Festus Thomas 31yrs old, who was arrested 11th August 2023 by Detective Police Constable DPC 14109 Sesay I. J appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No.1 for allegedly breaking into Theresa Grace Masuba’s house and stealing therein, two big pots, microwave and other kitchen utensils valued at NLe1,950.
The accused arraigned before the court on two counts charges of store breaking and larceny contrary to section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1965.
It was alleged that the accused on Thursday 10th August 2023 at Grandille Lane in Kissy Brook , Freetown, entered into the complainant’s kitchen and stole their a microwave, two big pots and other kitchen utensils worth NLe1,950.
Led in evidence by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Osman M. Bangura prosecution (PW) 1, Theresa Mansuba residing at Kissy Brook, in Freetown working for the Ministry of Social Welfare as Social Service Officer said she recognized the accused as her neighbor and could recall Thursday 10th August 2023.
Madam continued on the day in question, she was at, adding that when she woke up and opened her kitchen door, she discovered that her kitchen roof was damaged and that the ceiling was cut.
She said she discovered that the kitchen was ransacked and that her microwave, two big pots, aluminum mortar and other kitchen utensils worth valued at NLe1, 950 belonging to the complainant.
She said she called upon her landlady, Matta Taylor and other neighbors and narrated the incident to them.
Based on that she said she reported the matter to the Ross Road Police Station, Harbor Division in Freetown, where she made a statement.
Madam Masuba furthered her and a team of police officers left for the crime scene and upon their arrival, they took photographs of the scene.
She concluded that she was later called upon at the Ross Road Police Station to identify the accused to the police.
She said the accused was arrested by his aunt and was taken to Ross Road Police Station.
‘In my presence when the police interrogated the accused regarding the allegations, he admitted of stealing the items. The accused led us to a shop at Race Cross Road in Freetown where he allegedly kept the stolen items. When a search was conducted at the said shop, nothing of police interest was discovered,’ Madam Masuba concluded her evidence in chief.
The accused was unrepresented, Magistrate Kekura gave chance to cross examine the witness.
Responding, he told the court that he had no questions for the witness and he pleaded for mercy.
The accused was denied bail and remanded at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 30th August 2023.