Husband And Wife Arrested in Freetown for Beating Their Neighbor to Stupor

Mabinty Turay, a businesswoman, and her husband, Jonathan John, a technician, appeared in court facing charges of grievous bodily harm. The couple appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2.

They face three charges under Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861: grievous bodily harm with intent, malicious wounding, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The prosecution alleges that on March 1, 2025, at their residence on Crooked Lane in Freetown’s Western Area, the couple deliberately caused grievous bodily harm to their neighbor, Salaymatu Bangura.

During the proceedings, Salaymatu Bangura testified that she was disturbed by loud music coming from the defendants’ residence. She claimed that Turay prevented her from leaving her apartment and subsequently assaulted her, causing her to briefly lose consciousness.

Bangura also testified that Turay bit her while John repeatedly kicked her. Following the incident, she reported it to the Ross Road Police Station, presenting visible injuries.

Medical documentation and photographic evidence were submitted to the court. The defendants were granted bail of 100,000 Leones each, with two sureties in the same amount. The sureties are required to be Freetown residents with valid identification and address verification.

Bail approval is subject to the Deputy Assistant Registrar, and the case has been adjourned to April 3, 2025.