Thirty-six year old Patrick Ansumana a driver, nineteen years old Samuel Ansumana a student and forty-five year old Foday Fornah,a stone miner made their first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown on three count charges to wit conspiracy to commit a crime contrary to law, house breaking and larceny contrary to section 26 (1) of the Larceny Act of 1916 and receiving stolen goods contrary to section 33 (1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the particulars of offence, on Friday 3rd January, 2025 at Ya-Marie Drive, Hill Station, the Mountain Rural district in the western area in Freetown, conspired together and with other persons unknown to commit a crime.

Count two further stated that on the same date and place the accused with intent to steal, broke and entered into the dwelling house of Bintu Sankoh and stole therein one hundred and seventy thousand leones (170,000) seven hundred United States dollars and other assorted items equivalent to the total value of two hundred and thirty eight thousand six hundred and ten leones (238,610) property of Bintu Sankoh

Count three stated that on the same date and place the accused did receive one hundred and seventy thousand leones, the sum of seven hundred United States dollars and other assorted items equivalent to the total value of two hundred and thirty eight thousand six hundred and ten leones (238,610) property of Bintu Sankoh knowing same to have been stolen.

When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons, no plea taken

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led prosecution witness number one Bintu Sankoh a businesswoman who said she recognized all the accused persons.

The first and second accused, are children of her late husband and the third accused is her neighbor. She recalled on 3rd January, 2025 she was not at home she went to do her business when she received a call from his neighbour named Mabinty who informed her that her house has been broken into.

Upon receiving the information she said she went directly to Akon police station to make a report and she was escorted with two trucks of police officers to her home. The witness said when they arrived; they met the accused persons at her premises.

She told the court that they were later arrested and taken to the police station and that on the same date a search warrant was endorsed for her missing properties. She said during the search some of her properties were seen at the premises of the third accused that includes machines, big travelling bag, physical cash of 170,000 her small safe containing the sum of $700 United States United dollars was broken, her fourteen pairs if crepes were missing each costing Le400 and six blankets.

She when they entered her room, she discovered that her things were scattered all over the place all to the value of Le238,000 and the police officers took photographs of the scene of crime. The witness said she also took snapshots using her TCL android phone the phone was damaged and she forwarded the pictures to the police during the investigation and the pictures were identified and marked as exhibit Z1-6. The witness added that the stolen items were discovered at the premises of the third accused and are currently in the custody of the police which she said she will be able to identify if seen. She said she later made statement to the police in conclusion.

The witness was cross examined by J.T Mansaray Esq.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Fornah adjourned the matter to the 4th July 2025 and bail continues for all the accused persons.