Twenty years old Anthony Kamara a carpenter, twenty-five year old Alusine Sesay, a labourer and twenty-five year old Josephus Mansaray, another labourer made their first appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura of Pademba Road Court No.8 in Freetown on two count charges to wit conspiracy contrary to law and store breaking contrary to section 26th (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.

According to the particulars of offence, on 27th May, 2025 at LEOCEM Cement factory at Betts Street, Kanikay, Cline Town in the western area of Freetown conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a crime to wit store breaking and larceny.

Count two further stated that on the same date and place the accused persons with intent to steal, broke and entered into LEOCEM cement factory’s lubricant store at Betts Street, Kanikay, Cline Town and stole therein two hundred and eight liters CLP Oil, one hundred and eighty liters of EP2 Oil and two hundred and two hundred and eight liters of 15W40 all to the total value of sixty two thousand seven hundred and ninety eight leones (62,798,00) property of LEOCEM cement factory

When the charge was read and explained to the accused persons, no plea was taken.

Detective Police Constable 14898 Joseph C. Dumbuya led prosecution witness number two Abubakarr Suma a security officer for A.K Security Company. He said he knew the complainant and the accused persons in the matter. He recalled 27th May, 2025 he was on duty as the shift commander at 2am at the LEOCEM factory when he received a radio message from one of his personnel saying that he needed a backup and he immediately alerted the OSD personnel on duty and went to the point and saw the accused person trying to escape. He said he saw the 3rd and 1st accused persons and told the OSD officer to effect the arrest. He said he asked the 3rd accused person and told him that they were five in number. The witness said he ordered for the third accused person to be taken to the security post whilst they were searching for the others. He added that they went by the seaside where he saw some guys who had fallen into the water hiding behind boat. He said he encouraged the 1st and 2nd accused to come out of the water which he said they did and were apprehended and taken to the security post and reported the matter to Ross Road Police Station the following morning. The witness said he apprehended the accused persons with items including four jerry cans and later made statement to the police.

The witness was cross examined by S.L Lewis

Meanwhile, Magistrate Samura refused bail based on the seriousness of the offence and adjourned the matter to 23rd June, 2025.