Two Men in Court Over Alleged Theft of Air Conditioner

Two men appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on charges related to the alleged theft of an air conditioner in Freetown.

Sylvester Sandy, a 28-year-old labourer, and Suliman Koroma, a 52-year-old panel beater, face two counts: larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916 and receiving stolen goods contrary to Section 33(1) of the same Act.

According to court documents, on Monday 2nd March 2026 at Jakity Drive, Marjay Town in the Western Area, the accused allegedly stole one Hanen air conditioner valued at twelve thousand Leones (Le12,000), property of Angela Harding.

The second count states that on the same date and location, Koroma allegedly received the air conditioner knowing it to have been stolen.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read and explained to them.

Prosecution Witness Number One, Sheku Nallay Oya, a microfinance institution staff member, testified that he knows the first defendant as his neighbour and the complainant as their tenant.

He told the court that on 1st and 4th March 2026, the complainant reported ongoing thefts in the area. After searching the premises, he discovered a pressure machine and power box sub-machine missing.

In the early morning hours, residents also discovered the air conditioner had been taken. A report was made at Lumley Police Station, and an investigation officer visited the scene.

The witness further stated that at around 4:00 a.m. on 4th March, the alleged thieves returned to the premises. When the complainant shouted “thief,” the first defendant escaped by jumping over the fence, while the second defendant was found hiding under the complainant’s vehicle.

According to the witness, the second defendant allegedly confessed to being responsible for repeated thefts at the premises and stated that the stolen property had already been sold.

The first defendant, representing himself, cross-examined the witness. Defence counsel M. Thullay, representing the second defendant, also conducted cross-examination and applied for bail.

Magistrate Manso Fornah refused bail for both defendants and adjourned the matter to 20th March 2026 for further proceedings.