By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 61-year-old businesswoman, Sylvia Wlatee, her 24-year-old daughter, Esther Wlatee, a petty trader, and 41-year-old Milton Brown have been remanded at the male and female correctional centres in Freetown after making their first appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on charges of conspiracy to murder and murder.
The three accused are facing two counts: conspiracy to murder, contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861, and murder, contrary to Section 1 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861, as repealed and replaced by Section 1(a) of the Schedule to the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act, 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2022).
According to the particulars of the first count, the accused persons allegedly conspired with one another and with other persons unknown to murder Hannah Williams on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at No. 12 Settra Kroo Street, Freetown, in the Western Area.
The second count alleges that on the same date and at the same location, the accused murdered Hannah Williams.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons, no pleas were taken because the matter is before the court on committal proceedings.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Eric Deen, who is prosecuting the matter, informed the court that copies of the case and inquiry file had been served on defence counsel.
Defence counsel, M. Sesay Esq., confirmed receipt of the documents and requested a short adjournment to enable the defence team to study the case file and determine its position regarding the witnesses it intends to cross-examine.
Magistrate Jah refused bail and ordered that Sylvia Wlatee and Esther Wlatee be remanded at the Female Correctional Centre, while Milton Brown was remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 16 July 2026 for further proceedings.