April 6, 2021
By: Francis F.M.Harding
Fourth Police Witness (PW4), Lamin Suma testified before Magistrate Mark Ngegba on the 1st April, 2021 at the Pademba Road Court in Freetown in an alleged murder case that occurred in Kambia, Northern district. While testifying, the witness said he recognized the accused person Kadiatu Conteh through the deceased, Simon Alieu.
The witness continued that on the 26th December, 2020 he met the deceased and the accused people, Kadiatu Conteh were quarreling. He said he tried to stop them from creating a dramatic scene in the neighborhood, but was unable and left the scene.
He further testified that upon returning to the Police Station he met the deceased lying on wooden bench at the Police Station, he said he shouted “Simon” but he struggled to answer him. During this period said the witness, he left him on the wooden bench and went into his office , few minutes later he returned to check on Simeon Alieu (now deceased) he saw him walking away from the station.
The witness revealed that the deceased had fought with the accused person who was his girlfriend. A Police medical form was issued him; the accused person was not provided any medical form, it was disclosed in court.
He revealed that the deceased told him that he will destroy the clothes of the accused person. Later at the home of the deceased, while in discussion, the witness stated that he saw the accused person hit Simeon Alieu with a metal object on his spinal cord.
The witness said after few minutes, the Police Division at Kambia arrested the accused person, Kadiatu Conteh for allegedly murdering Simon Alieu. Accused was then placed in custody.
Witness under cross examination said the deceased person (Simon Alieu) did not go to the hospital with his police medical form. The witness confirmed that it was the accused person that stabbed the deceased. The witness furthered that no report was entered for the accused person at the time. The said the accused person and the deceased person were cohabitating. The witness said the accused person appearance was rough when he saw her.
According to the police charge sheet, the accused person Kadiatu Conteh is charged for the murder of Simon Alieu, a police officer, who was attached to the Kambia Police Station, contrary to Laws of Sierra Leone.
Lawyer I. Macfoy is the Legal representative for the accused, while Inspector A. Kumba is prosecuting for the State. The accused person was at the female Correctional center, Pademba Road in Freetown, and the matter adjourned to 15th April, 2021.