By: Audrey John
Two Chinese nationals, Wu Jing and Kong Faxxin have been arraigned before magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba Road Court No. 1 for stealing vehicle worth seventy thousand united state dollars from complainant Zhan Guaxin (Moke).
They are before the court on four count charges of conspiracy to commit felony, larceny and assessory after the fact to larceny contrary to section 35 of the larceny Act of 1916.
In count one it was alleged that on Thursday 21 April 2022 at a garage at 58 Sir Samuel Lewis Road Aberdeen, both accused conspired with other persons unknown to commit felony to wit larceny.
In count two it was alleged that at the same place, the accused person steal one jeep with registration number ASV 177 valued seventy thousand united state dollars equivalent to nine hundred and twenty one million, eight hundred and ninety seven thousand, six hundred and fourteen Leones, four hundred and forty point right nine cent (Le 921,897,614,444.89) property of Zhan Guaxin (Mike).
In count three it was also alleged on the charge sheet that both accused did steal the sum of seventy six thousand united state dollars equivalent to (Le 1, 917,409,968.74) belonging to complainant.
In count four, the accused persons were alleged the accused has stolen a white Volvo jeep with regisation number ASV 977 from Zhan Guaxin on the 21st April 2022 and on other days second accused Kong Faxxin thereafter , receive, comfort, harbor, assist and maintain the first accused Wu Jing.
After the charges have been read, both accused assisted by an interpreter pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Defense counsel, J.M Jengo applied for bail for his clients citing section 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965. Backing up his application, he said the offences for which his clients are before the court are mere allegations. He said if his clients are granted they will not jump it neither interferes with the prosecution.
They are granted bail in the sum of three hundred million Leones with a surety each in like sum. He said the sureties should be Sierra Leoneans resident and gainfully employed. He adjourned the matter to the 3rd of October 2022.
Magistrate Market Ngegba further stated that all other files related to the above matter should be presented before him on that same date.