November 2, 2021
By: Audrey John
Two Hunters, Mohamed Kanu and Alpha Conteh were on the 1st November 2021 instructed to pay a of fine of two million five hundred thousand leones each or 1 year Imprisonment each by magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road court No 1.
The accused persons Mohamed Kanu and Alpha Conteh were drag to court on two counts charges ranging from conspiracy contrary to law and Unlawful possession of Arms and Ammunition contrary to section 11(1) of the arms and ammunition act 2012.
According to the Indictment, it was alleged that the accused persons on Friday 1st October 2021, at Makonkarie Village Yoni Mabanta chiefdom Tonkolili district conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a crime to wit unlawful possession of Arms and Ammunition.
Whiles counts two added that the accused persons on the same date and place we’re found in possession of a locally made single barrel short gun without license. When the matter was first charge to court on 25 October 2021, both accused persons pleaded guilty on the offences charged and further pleaded with the court for mercy.
The witness Detective police Sergeant 1516 Abu Conteh Led in further evidence by Inspector Komba said he is attached at the crime writers unit CID HQ Freetown. He further recalled the 9 October 2021, adding that on that date, he was on duty at the crime writers unit when Detective Inspector Kargbo handed over to him one old short gun for safe keeping.
He said he took possession of the said exhibit and registers them in the court exhibit book. The said gun was produced and tender in court as exhibit. Lawyer C. A Bangura in his plea mitigation told the court that both convict are first time offender and that this is their first time they are coming to Freetown.
He pleaded for mercy, adding that thought the offences for which the accused persons were charged were serious but pleaded with the court not to imposed Custodian sentence but a minimal fine that they can afford to pay.
Having listening to the plea mitigation made by defense counsel on behalf of the accused persons, magistrate Sahr Kekura in his ruling fine both accused persons in the sum of 2 million five hundred thousand leones each or 12 months imprisonment whiles the gun he said should be confiscated by the state.