Morlai Kargbo, a Plumber has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment by Magistrate Peter Gogra of Pademba Road Court No.6 in Freetown after being found guilty of stealing a water meter whilst Musa Samba, a Tailor and Mohamed Koroma, a Businessman have been denied bail and remanded at the Male Correctional Center for the same matter.

All accused persons were charged on three count charges to wit Larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916, malicious damage contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861 and receiving stolen goods contrary to Section 33 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.

According to the particulars of offence, it was alleged that on Sunday 17th July 2022 at Guma Valley Water Company compound at Tower Hill the Western Area in Freetown, the 1st accused person Morlai Kargbo did steal one blue and white colored Baylan water meter with serial number 01266539 valued at $ 191 (One Hundred and Ninety One United States Dollars) or Two Thousand Six Hundred and Ten Leones (2,610) being property of Guma Valley Water Company, on count two at the same place and date, the 1st accused person Morlai Kargbo maliciously damage the said meter, whilst on count three at the same place and date the third accused person did receive the said meter being property of Guma Valley Water Company.

The charges were read and explained to the accused persons and the 1st accused person pleaded guilty whilst the 2nd and 3rd accused persons pleaded not guilty.

Inspector Mabel M. Tarawalie led the first prosecution witness Gabriel Gerald Foday, an Engineer at Guma Valley Water Company told the Court that he did not recognize the 2nd and 3rd accused persons but recalled on the 17th July 2022 when he made a report to the Management of Guma Valley Water Company about a stolen meter at the Guma Tower Hill office at Wesley Street.

Ing. Foday said he also made report at the Central Police Station where statement was obtained from himself and another witness.

Ing Gabriel G Foday informed the Court that he later received information from one Mahmoud that the meter was stolen by one Morlai Kargbo, who later admitted in his presence that he indeed stole the meter.

The matter comes up again on 3rd August 2022 for further hearing.