By: Audrey Raymonda John
FREETOWN – Three suspects appeared before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8 on June 20, 2025, facing charges of conspiracy and store breaking at LEOCEM Cement Factory in Cline Town. The accused are: Anthony Kamara, 20 (carpenter), Alusine Sesay, 25 (laborer), Josephus Mansaray, 25 (laborer)
They allegedly conspired to break into the factory’s lubricant store on May 27, 2025, stealing: 208 litres CLP Oil, 180 litres EP2 Oil, 208 litres 15W40 Oil, Total value: Le 62,798,000 (property of LEOCEM).
After charges were read, no plea was taken. Prosecution witness DPC Mohamed Kandeh (CID, Ross Road Station) testified that investigators found: Entry through the roof, Four jerry cans of oil, Two plastic buckets of grease, one multi-coloured rope, one white sandal, one aluminium ladder (all seized as exhibits).
Kandeh confirmed obtaining voluntary caution statements (May 27) and charged statements (June 1) from each accused in Krio, properly witnessed and thumbprinted. Both statements were tendered as evidence.
Defense counsel S.L. Lewis renewed bail applications, but Magistrate Samura refused bail citing offense severity. The accused were remanded at Freetown Male Correctional Centre until June 25, 2025, for cross-examination.