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Following the treason trial, Major Dassama, the sixteenth prosecution witness, took the stand before Justice Komba Kamanda of High Court No. 1. The trial, involving Amadu Koita Makalo and eleven others facing treason charges, reached a pivotal moment as Major Dassama recounted the fateful events of November 26, 2023.
Major Dassama, an officer stationed at Cockeril Barracks, described receiving intelligence about potential unrest in Freetown. Urged by Major General Dauda Alpha, he assembled all staff officers, emphasizing the need for heightened security alertness across various units.
As tensions mounted, Major Dassama revealed that an attack unfolded at the fifth battalion at Wilberforce Military Barracks on the night of November 25. He detailed how he mobilized his men in response to the attack, under orders from Major General Alpha to repeal the assailants.
The situation escalated dramatically when, upon reaching the fifth battalion, Major Dassama encountered a soldier in a British camouflage uniform carrying an RPG tube with a bomb fixed on it. Despite attempting to establish communication, the soldier opened fire, inflicting severe injuries on Major Dassama, including a fragment lodged in his stomach.
“Injuries sustained in the line of duty are a grim reality,” Major Dassama lamented, revealing the enduring physical toll of the attack. Despite his wounds, he valiantly retaliated, engaging the assailant before ordering his soldiers to retreat for medical assistance.
The courtroom hung on Major Dassama’s every word as he described the chaos and bravery amidst the onslaught. His firsthand account provided crucial insight into the events leading to Lieutenant Samai’s tragic death at Murray Town Junction on November 26, 2023.
State prosecutor Aruna Jalloh led the intense questioning, extracting vital details from Major Dassama’s testimony. The prosecution’s meticulous approach underscored the gravity of the charges and the quest for justice in the face of treasonous acts.
With the courtroom atmosphere charged with tension, Justice Komba Kamanda granted an adjournment, allowing both sides time to prepare for further proceedings. The trial’s continuation on Monday, March 25, 2024, promises another chapter in the quest for accountability and the pursuit of truth amidst the shadows of betrayal and violence.
As Major Dassama’s testimony echoed through the courtroom, his resilience in the face of adversity served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who stand guard to protect their nation. His unwavering commitment to duty, despite enduring personal trauma, embodies the spirit of courage and determination that defines the defenders of justice.
Sierra Leoneans authorities can nosedive a person’s right when there is no kopor. The Attempted Coup really drown me😣. A search visit was made to the formal Deputy Mayor’s resident at Hill Top, I was staying at the next compound where the search team barricaded and break into our apartment. The spoil all the doors and entered my room on my back and took my house rent. My family and I suffered during that crisis and I was denied justice just because I am a common man. I went to the Wilberforce MP in the morning but my case was never attended to, I went as far as Congo cross police division and they directed to CID. Was all the same nobody cares about my feelings. CID also directed to New England Villy, all was just the same story.
I am not talking about the politics that is playing but my concern here is, if nobody looks in to my case I swear I promise myself Justice. I have all pictorial evidence when the Leaped into my room and collected the money from my bag.
A search in coups can not be reported,I remember far back 1974 so called coup,our house was vandalized.