By Audrey Raymonda John
In a dramatic turn of events, Victor Sharka, a former police recruit, found himself in the spotlight of the Sierra Leonean justice system after being sacked from training school. Sharka appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Court No.1 on Pademba Road, Freetown, on Thursday, February 15th, 2024, facing charges related to allegedly planning to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone.
Sharka, identified as PC 22578 with Pin No.233347, stood accused of Perverting the Course of Justice, a serious charge with significant legal implications. The specifics of the charge detailed that Sharka, on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023, in Freetown, knowingly engaged in fabricating evidence with the intent to pervert the Course of Justice, particularly concerning a purported plan to overthrow the government of Julius Maada Bio.
During the court proceedings, the charge was formally read and explained to Sharka. However, no plea was taken at that time. Despite any plea, Magistrate Kekura made the decision to refuse bail for Sharka, subsequently remanding him to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to February 22nd, 2024, for further legal proceedings.
Sergeant 9939 Lahai M took on the role of prosecuting the case, indicating the seriousness with which authorities were approaching the matter.