By Jane B. Mansaray.
At the Freetown High Court, a staff at the Zenith Bank Sierra Leone Limited and a former volunteer at the Human Rights Commission in Bo was on Tuesday 5th April 2022 led evidence in respect of a robbery matter in Moyamba District involving Sixteen accused persons.
The 26th Prosecution Witness (PW26) was led in evidence by the State Prosecutor, Aruna Jalloh at a criminal trial presided over by Justice Monfred Momoh Sesay.
Leading evidence on oath from the witness box, PW26 Brima Sabu told the Court that out of all 16 accused persons he only recognised the 4,8,11 and 14 accused persons.
It was at this stage that the State Prosecutor, Aruna Jalloh sought for an adjournement on the grounds that he did not have conference with the witness who just arrived from Moyamba.
Defense counsel from the Legal Aid Board objected to the State Prosecutor’s application, but was over ruled by the trial Judge.
In his ruling on State Counsel’s application, Justice Monfred Momoh Sesay said conference with witnesses either for the prosecution and/or defense is not only lawful but increases Justice.
It is the prosecution that is under duty to prove the guilt of the accused persons beyond all reasonable doubts.
PW25 Detective Police Constable (DPC) 14526 Samuel Bawoh attached to the Moyamba Police Station was also led in evidence in respect to the matter before the court.
Samuel Bawoh recalled that on the 20th May 2019, a report of conspiracy and robbery was made by one Jane Lahai, Massah Lahai and nine others who are now complainants before the court.
According to PW25 the matter was assigned to him and Detective Sergeant 11143 Bangura for investigation.
He separately issued medical forms to the complainants for treatment at the Moyamba Government hospital.
PW25 continued that a team of Officers headed by Assistant Suprinetendent of Police (ASP) Richard Yambasu assisted by the Moyamba District Chairman and the community youths arrested and brought in all 16 accused persons for the above offences; and with a huge number of mobile phones.
The witness said the mobile phones were treated as exhibits which were handed over to the exhibit clerk for safe keeping.
The 6th accused person Ansumana Charles residence was searched by the team in the presence of the 6th accused and the Area chief.
During the course of the search, PW25 said one old bank identity card bearing the name Ansumana Charles, one old cutlass, two Itel mobile phone, one black laptop DVD players and four size passport pictured were discovered.
The same team of officers headed by Sergeant Bangura searched the premises of the 8th accused person. At his St. Joseph Campus residence, PW25 said only one steal stainless knief was discovered, and same was handed over to the exhibit clerk.
The matter was transfered to the Southern Region of Bo for further investigation.
The original search warrant dated 20th May 2019 was produced for identification.
The accused persons were remanded at the Pademba Road Maximum Correctional Center in Freetown.
Justice Monfred Momoh Sesay has adjourned the matter to the 12th April 2022 for continuation of PW26 Brima Sabu testimony in chief.
