By Elizabeth Kamara
A businesswoman, Mabinty Turay, and a technician, Jonathan John, have appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.
The two are facing three charges: causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges are brought under Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.
According to the prosecution, on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at No. 6 Crooked Lane, Freetown, the accused inflicted grievous bodily harm on Salaymatu Bangura with intent.
The second and third counts allege that the accused persons maliciously wounded and assaulted Bangura, causing her actual bodily harm.
When the charges were read and explained, the accused persons did not enter a plea.
Prosecuting the case, Sergeant 8811 Florence M. Wilson led the first witness, Salaymatu Bangura, a businesswoman, who testified that she knew both accused as her next-door neighbors. She recounted that on March 1, 2025, an incident occurred between her and the accused.
She stated that she was in her room when she heard the first accused playing loud music. As she stepped outside to leave the premises, the first accused allegedly pushed her multiple times.
While attempting to pick up her mobile phone, which had fallen, she suddenly felt a sharp slap to her face. The impact caused her to momentarily black out and collapse to the ground. She further testified that the first accused then bit her on the stomach.
According to Bangura, the second accused, Jonathan John, subsequently kicked her in the stomach, causing her severe pain. She proceeded to the Ross Road Police Station to report the matter while still bleeding.
The police took photographs of her injuries and issued her a medical request form for examination and treatment at Connaught Hospital.
In court, the endorsed medical report and photographs were presented as evidence. Bangura further stated that she underwent a scan at Connaught Hospital, and the results were also submitted for identification. She later gave a formal statement to the police regarding the incident.
The accused were represented by defense counsel A. Samba Esq.
Magistrate Bangura granted bail to both accused in the sum of 100,000 Leones each, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be residents of Freetown and provide valid identification confirming their address. Bail is to be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The case was adjourned to April 3, 2025.
