By: Audrey Raymonda John
A security guard, Amadu Mansaray, made his first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on a charge of Office Breaking and Larceny, contrary to Section 20(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, on 18th June 2025, Mansaray allegedly broke into the office of Pastor Fodie Kanneh at the Christian Action Church of Sierra Leone, located at #3 Cannon Street, in the Western Area of Freetown.
The prosecution stated that the accused stole: One desk tablet computer and One backup device.
The total value of the stolen items was Le8,500, property of Pastor Kanneh.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Isatu Baba Musa led the prosecution, calling Detective Superintendent Inspector (DSI) Adama Kamanda, attached to the Central Police Station, as Prosecution Witness 1.
Kamanda testified that on 18th June 2025, while on duty, the matter was reported at her station. The accused was arrested the same day and brought in for questioning. Kamanda, together with a Scene of Crime Officer, visited the church premises where photographs were taken as part of the investigation.
She confirmed obtaining statements from the complainant and two other witnesses. These statements were produced and tendered in court as part of the records.
DSI Kamanda further testified that on 18th June 2025, she and DPC 17601 Turay A. obtained a voluntary caution statement from the accused in Krio, which was translated and recorded in English. The statement was read back and explained to the accused, who confirmed its accuracy by affixing his right thumbprint. Kamanda signed as the recorder, and the statement was marked Exhibit D1–5.
On 25th June 2025, Kamanda and DPC Turay also obtained a charge statement from the accused using the same procedure. This was also submitted to the court and marked as Exhibit E1–2.
Kamanda concluded her testimony, after which the accused cross-examined her.
Given the seriousness of the charge, Magistrate Fornah refused bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 21st July 2025 for further hearing.