Seven accused persons; Rashid Mansaray, Saidu Mansaray, Tommy Turay, Suliaman Musa, Feika Aka Butter Rice, Mohamed Kamara, Pastor Sarah Mariama Gevao Aka Mama Pastor, and John Kanyako, have been remanded by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, over robbery with violence offenses.
The accused are before Magistrate Sahr Kekura on five counts of robbery with aggravations.
Police alleged that , on July 23, 2023, at Rogbamgba, on the outskirts of Freetown, the accused persons conspired with unidentified individuals to rob Issa Turay of items valued at over eleven thousand New Leones.
It was further alleged that the accused, on the same date and location, robbed Issa Turay of his iPhone and other valuables valued at twelve thousand, five hundred and fifty New Leones, assaulted the complainant, causing him grievous bodily harm, and maliciously damaging the complainant’s wooden door and in-lock, valued at nine hundred and fifty New Leones.
The first prosecution witness, Osman M. Bangura, testified in court that he was returning from fetching water when he heard a commotion at his place. Upon approaching, he saw the accused persons from a distance, heavily armed by his door using abusive words.
Bangura added, as he was approaching his house, the sixth accused saw him and instructed that he be dealt with by her accomplices. Fortunately, he said he swiftly dropped his bucket and ran to the Hastings Police Station, where he reported the matter.
Defense counsel H. Kamara, representing the first, fourth, fifth, and sixth accused, requested bail for his clients. However, Magistrate Kekura denied the bail request and remanded the accused persons.
The matter was adjourned to September 6, 2023.