By Mamajah Jalloh
Alhaji Kamara, a 27-year-old student, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on a charge of Larceny in a Dwelling House, contrary to Section 13(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The prosecution, led by Sergeant 8811 Florence M. Wilson, alleged that on October 27, 2024, at #4 Kebe Drive, Juba Hill, Freetown, Kamara unlawfully broke into the residence of his uncle, Alhaji Issa Catco Kamara, and stole a Z Fold mobile phone, two Samsung Galaxy A24 mobile phones, an iPhone 14 Plus, various electronic items, and other personal belongings, valued at 516,400 Leones.
The first prosecution witness, Alhaji Issa Catco Kamara, a businessman, testified that he had raised the accused, his nephew, since the age of five. He recounted that he had returned to Sierra Leone from the United States on October 27, 2024. Before his departure, he locked his residence and placed the keys in a portable safe, leaving a spare set of keys with the accused.
Issa described the safe as being encased in concrete walls and secured with heavy steel rods, making it nearly impenetrable. He asserted that the accused did not have access to the safe, nor did he expect anyone to break into it.
Upon returning, he discovered that his furniture and the room housing the safe had been vandalized. His carpenter confirmed that the room had been tampered with, prompting him to inspect the area. Inside, Issa found the safe damaged, $5,000 missing, and several other items stolen. He reported the matter to the police, who documented the scene and took photographs.
Issa revealed that the accused and another relative, Abdul Kabia, were entrusted with cleaning and maintaining the house, with the accused having direct access to the room where the safe was located.
During the hearing, the charge was read to the accused, but he did not enter a plea. The accused, who was not legally represented, cross-examined the complainant.
Magistrate Bangura denied bail, citing the gravity of the offense, and ordered that Kamara be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case has been adjourned to November 26, 2024, for further proceedings.
The incident has sparked intrigue as it involves a family dispute with significant financial implications. Magistrate Bangura emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.
