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Magistrate Harold Kamara of the Mile 91 Magistrate Court has committed Mohamed Sankoh to the High Court in Moyamba for allegedly stealing properties worth Le12,950 at 24 Bo Road in Mile 91 town.
Sankoh was arraigned before Magistrate Kamara for the offense of Larceny in a Dwelling House, contrary to Section 13(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916. The prosecution alleged that on June 30, 2025, Sankoh stole several properties valued at Le12,950 belonging to Abdulai Sankoh and Aminata Bah.
Given the indictable nature of the charges, the matter proceeded with a preliminary investigation. The prosecution called four witnesses, including former witnesses, who were cross-examined. After the prosecution closed its case, the matter was withdrawn for ruling.
In determining whether the accused had a case to answer, Magistrate Kamara considered the evidence of PW1, Abdulai Sankoh. According to PW1, the accused had requested to lodge with him and was given a room on the veranda while PW1’s sister, Aminata Bah, who had returned from China, was staying with him.
While PW1 was away in Freetown, his wife informed him that the accused had left the house. Upon his return, PW1 discovered that his green Bluetooth speaker player, some clothes, and Aminata Bah’s luggage had been tampered with. He later traced the accused to a nearby village, where he admitted stealing the Bluetooth speaker and selling it to a friend, from whom the item was recovered.
Under cross-examination, the accused admitted to taking the Bluetooth speaker and some clothes. Magistrate Kamara noted that the test at the committal stage is not whether the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt but whether the evidence, if believed by a reasonable tribunal properly directed, is capable of sustaining a conviction.
A prima facie case, Magistrate Kamara further explained, exists where there is evidence that, unless disbelieved, establishes the essential ingredients of the offence charged. After examining the evidence adduced by the prosecution, Magistrate Kamara was convinced and satisfied that a prima facie case against the accused had been established, warranting his committal to the High Court for trial.
“I hereby commit the accused person to stand trial at the High Court. The accused is remanded in custody at the Moyamba Correctional Centre to await trial unless bail is granted by the High Court,” Magistrate Kamara ruled.
