By: Audrey Raymonda John
Hawanatu Hawa Koroma, a 27-year-old trader, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 to face a charge of murder. The charge, brought under Section 1 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2022), alleges that Koroma murdered her husband, Nabieu Bangura.
According to the particulars of the offence, the alleged incident occurred on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Leicester Peak Junction Hill Station in the Mountain Rural District, Western Area, Freetown. Koroma is accused of setting her husband ablaze, leading to his death.
No plea was taken during the proceedings.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sorie Conteh led the prosecution’s first witness, Frank Kamara, a friend of the deceased. Kamara testified that he knew the accused as the wife of his late friend, Nabieu Bangura. He recalled the events of November 22, 2024, stating that he was at home when he noticed a fire at the apartment of the deceased.
“I saw fire burning in Nabieu’s apartment and people chasing the accused. My brother, Mix, called the police, alleging that the accused had set Nabieu ablaze,” Kamara stated.
Kamara said he went to the scene and was informed that the accused had fled to Yakuba. He confronted her and asked why she had set her husband on fire. He testified that police officers later arrived, broke into the house, and rescued Nabieu, who was on fire. The victim was initially taken to the 34 Military Hospital and subsequently referred to the Emergency Hospital.
Despite these efforts, Nabieu succumbed to his injuries at Connaught Hospital. Kamara confirmed making a statement to the police.
The accused was allowed to cross-examine the witness.
Magistrate Bangura denied bail and remanded Koroma to the Female Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case has been adjourned to January 21, 2025.