By Mamajah Jalloh
Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1, Tuesday, 4th February 2025, remanded three individuals for allegedly stealing $7,000 while serving as caretakers.
The accused, Abubakarr Turay, Fatmata Bangura, and their daughter- Kadiatu Turay, face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and larceny in violation of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred January 15, 2025 at Fadika Drive- Hill Station, Freetown. The prosecution alleged that the three conspired to steal $7,000 (Le170,100) belonging to Kai Kamara.
When the charges were read and put to the accused persons, Abubakarr Turay pleaded not guilty, whilst Fatmata Bangura and Kadiatu Turay pleaded guilty to the offense.
The state Prosecution Counsel, Assistant Superintendent of Police Daboh A., led in witness number one Musa Koroma, who is a businessman, revealing that Kai Kamara is his brother and knows the accused persons therein personally. He identified Abubakarr Turay as Kamara’s caretaker, Fatmata Bangura as Turay’s wife, and Kadiatu Turay as their daughter.
Musa mentioned that he visited Kamara’s apartment at Imatt Saturday, 11th January 2025, when his brother informed him that he would be traveling in two days, and planned to deposit some money in the bank; but as his brother went upstairs to bathe, he called Abubakarr Turay who came downstairs shortly afterward with his daughter.
Koroma echoed that when he asked what was wrong, Abubakarr refused to explain and he went upstairs and found Kamara distressed, stating that the accused persons have stolen his money.
He went on to state that when he returned downstairs, he found Kadiatu still crying, but moments later confessed having $100 in her bag, claiming she found it while laundering Kamara’s clothes.
Musa furthered that when he followed her to their apartment, he discovered money in a yellow bag; and when the police arrived and searched the caretaker’s apartment, they found Le11,150 and questioned Fatmata Bangura, who claimed the money belonged to her husband- Abubakarr.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Kekura refused bail and the accused persons were remanded at the male correctional center in Freetown.
The case was adjourned to 11th of February 2025 for the continuation of their trial.
