A police officer, Alpha Bash Osman Kamara, 35 from the Operations Support Division (OSD) is facing murder charges in connection to the death of his brother, Jusu Sannoh.

Witness statement at a preliminary investigation before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown alleged that Kamara killed Sannoh on January 1, 2023, at New London Kossoh Town in Freetown.

A young student, Gabriel Sabondo, testified under oath in court on February 26, 2024, detailing the events surrounding a fatal shooting.

Sabondo recounted encountering the victim, Jusu Sannoh, on New Year’s Eve. He described inquiring about Sannoh’s attendance at a church service, to which Sannoh responded that he planned to pray with his wife later.

Sabondo then witnessed a verbal argument escalate between Sannoh and his brother. Despite attempting to intervene and calm them down, the situation reportedly worsened, leading to a physical confrontation.

According to Sabondo, he overheard the accused making threatening remarks towards the deceased. The situation then escalated into a physical fight, with the accused allegedly shooting Sannoh first in the foot, causing him to fall. He then allegedly shot Sannoh again in the back and climbed onto his chest as he lay on the ground.

Sabondo further stated that community members apprehended the accused as he attempted to flee. The deceased was taken to his father’s home and then to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Sabondo later provided a statement to the police.

The accused, who was not represented by a lawyer, cross-examined Sabondo during the hearing. Following the testimony, the presiding Magistrate Kekura remanded the accused in custody. The case is scheduled to resume on February 27, 2024, for further proceedings.