By: Audrey Raymonda John
Three men, 20-year-old Anthony Kamara, a carpenter; 25-year-old Alusine Sesay, a labourer; and 25-year-old Josephus Mansaray, also a labourer made their first court appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8 in Freetown. The accused face two counts: Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, contrary to law, and Store Breaking and Larceny, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on May 27, 2025, at the LEOCEM Cement Factory on Bett Street, Kanikay, Cline Town in the Western Area of Freetown, the three accused conspired with others unknown to break into the factory’s lubricant store with the intent to steal.
The second count alleges that the accused unlawfully entered the lubricant store and stole the following items: 208 litres of CLP oil, 180 litres of EP2 oil and 208 litres of 15W40 oil.
The total value of the stolen items is Sixty-Two Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Eight Leones (Le 62,798.00) all property of LEOCEM Cement Factory.
When the charges were read and explained in court, the accused did not enter a plea.
Lead prosecution witness, Detective Police Constable 14898 Joseph C. Dumbuya, presented John Mac Adeyemi, the principal shop steward and an electrician at LEOCEM, as the first prosecution witness.
Mr. Adeyemi testified that he recognized the accused and recalled reporting for work on May 27, 2025. On arrival, an Indian staff member informed him of suspicious activity. He then contacted the security personnel, who provided further details, prompting an internal inquiry.
He stated that during his interrogation, the accused admitted to breaking into the store and pleaded for mercy. Mr. Adeyemi then reported the incident to his superior, Chraykant, who instructed him to take appropriate action. He proceeded to Ross Road Police Station to file an official complaint. A visit to the store, accompanied by the storekeeper, confirmed that items were missing, valued at Le 62,798.00. He later provided a formal statement to the police.
The accused, who were not legally represented, cross-examined the witness themselves.
At the close of the session, Magistrate Samura refused bail and ordered the accused to be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to June 19, 2025, for further proceedings.