By Mamajah Jalloh
In an alleged malicious damage matter at the Government Printing Department, Julius Aruna Mongoh, a 20-year-old scrap metal man, made his first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 Thursday 6th February 2025, on two count charges- to wit- malicious damage contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861 and Larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, the accused, on Saturday 1st February 2025 at the Government Printing Department New England Ville the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone, maliciously damaged four air conditioners valued at thirty thousand New Leones each- all to the total value of one hundred and twenty thousand Leones (120,000) property of the Government Printing Department at New England Ville- Freetown.
Count two further stated that the accused, on the same date and place, stole four air conditioners valued at thirty thousand New Leones each- all to the total value of one hundred and twenty thousand New Leones (120,000)- property of the Government Printing Department at New England Ville Freetown.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused person, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Inspector Kadie M. Taylor, led in prosecution witness number one, Amara Bangura, a security guard of Modern Security Agency attached to the Government Printing Department, revealing that he knows the accused in respect of the matter.
He recalled that on 1st of February2025, he was at the Government Printing Department at around 1am whilst on duty, and he decided to patrol the compound and observed that one air conditioner under repair was missing.
He said he decided to climb the retaining wall where he met the accused who had already dismantled the air conditioner and placed them in a rice bag.
The Prosecutor sought for a short adjournment date to get proper conference with her witness.
Magistrate Kekura refused bail and sent the accused person to the male correctional facility in Freetown.
The matter has been adjourned to 14th February 2025 for further proceedings.
