By: Audrey Raymonda John
Joseph Sao Gebai who was arrested on 24th February 2022 by Detective Police Constable (DPC) 17818 Kpange Emmanuel, have made another appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No. 1 for allegedly breaking into the complainant’s house and steal therein a laptop valued at four thousand leones (NLe4,000), Itel 23A mobile phone valued at one thousand leones (NLe1,000) and cash of nineteen thousand leones (NLe19,000) totalling twenty-four thousand leones (NLe24,000) belonging to Trosomtun Njala Environment Teechwha situated at No. 370 Maboreh Junction at Lower Allen Town in Freetown.
The accused appeared before the court on a count of office breaking and larceny contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
It was alleged by the IGP that the accused, on Wednesday 23 February 2022 at the aforesaid place in Freetown, broke into the said office and stole a laptop, Itel 23A Mobile phone, and cash of NLe19,000 belonging to Mohamed Dumbuya.
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Led in evidence by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) prosecution witness (PW) 2, Mohamed Samai Kamara who resides in Kono told the court that he recognised the accused as their Office Assistant and could recall Wednesday 23 February 2022.
The witness told the court that one night, he slept at the said office, adding after he finished his assignment.
He said he closed the main door leading into the office, disclosing that prior the incident, the Manager of the said office, Mohamed Dumbuya was looking for the accused within the compound for the key, but the accused was nowhere to be found. He said his boss phoned the accused, but he did not pick the call.
‘By 6am, when I woke up, I discovered that my mobile phone, a laptop, and a bag contained NLe19, 000 have been carted away. I met one guy, who is residing around the office and narrated the incident to him.
He then gave me his mobile phone and I phoned Mr Dumbuya and explained to him. Upon Mr Dumbuya’s arrival at the scene after few minutes the accused arrived at the scene,’ Mr Kamara told the bench.
PW3 said when Mr Dumbuya told the accused if he knew the whereabouts of the missing key, he denied of having no knowledge about it.
The witness said the accused busted into tears saying that he might go to the Pademba Road Prison. He said he saw the accused talking to someone on the phone, noting that when his credit got finish, he went out to buy in the same community. PW2 said when the accused returned, he and Mr Dumbuya found the key on one of the desks in the office.
The witness concluded his evidence that he, the accused and Mr Dumbuya left for Calaba Town Police where he made a statement.
Defence counsel J. P. Bayor cross examined the witness on behalf of her client. The accused is still on bail and the matter was adjourned to 31st March 2023 for further hearing.
