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The trial of three men accused of maliciously damaging property valued at Le42,500 in Hill Station, Freetown, has been adjourned after the complainant failed to appear before the court.
The accused, Joseph Bunduka, alias Maada; Ibrahim Kanu; and Augustine Kamara, appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 to answer to a charge of malicious damage.
According to the prosecution, the alleged incident occurred on 10 June 2026 along Kia Kamara Drive, Hill Station, where the accused persons are alleged to have damaged a retaining wall valued at Le40,000 and a makeshift structure valued at Le2,500.
The prosecution stated that the damaged properties reportedly belonged to Santigie Sesay and Aminata Conteh, with the total value of the alleged damage amounting to Le42,500.
When the matter came before the court, the charge was read and explained to the accused persons. All three defendants pleaded not guilty, denying the allegations brought against them.
During the proceedings, Police Constable 18235 TKK, who represented the prosecution, informed the court that the complainant was absent. The absence prevented the prosecution from presenting its case, leading the prosecutor to request a subpoena to ensure the complainant appears at the next hearing.
Magistrate Fornah granted the application and ordered that the complainant be compelled to attend court for the continuation of proceedings. The matter was subsequently adjourned to 29 July 2026.
The adjournment highlights the critical role of witnesses and complainants in criminal proceedings, as their attendance is often necessary for cases to move forward and for the court to properly examine the evidence presented.
The accused persons remain before the court, and the allegations against them have not been proven. They are presumed innocent unless found guilty through due legal process.
