By Yusufu S. Bangura
Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 has committed Musa M. Sewa to the Siaka Stevens Street High Court for trial on allegations of murdering 21-year-old Massah Massaquoi.
During the committal hearing, Magistrate Bangura revealed that the prosecution provided sufficient evidence, including testimonies from five witnesses, such as the formal witness, scene of crime officer, and exhibit clerk, who tendered critical exhibits.
He stated that his role in the preliminary investigation was to examine the evidence and determine if it justified a trial at the High Court under Section 118 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
Magistrate Bangura confirmed that the prosecution’s evidence, including statements made by the accused to the police, was compelling enough to warrant a trial.
The accused, who faces charges of murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, did not enter a plea during the preliminary investigation. According to the charge sheet, Sewa allegedly assaulted and murdered Massah Massaquoi on August 19, 2024, in Makeni.
Testifying during the proceedings, Lahai Maada Massaquoi, the father of the deceased, stated that he last saw his daughter alive on a Friday night at Wilberforce, where he provided her with transport to return home.
A month later, on August 19, 2024, he received a call from her elder sister informing him of her death. The remains of the deceased were identified at the 34 Military Hospital Mortuary in Freetown.
He further testified that on September 23, 2024, an autopsy was conducted by Dr. Semion Owizz Koroma at the Connaught Mortuary. The autopsy revealed that the deceased sustained broken bones in her neck, right hand, and right foot, which were consistent with physical assault. Dr. Koroma confirmed that the injuries led to her death, and a cause of death certificate was issued.
Magistrate Bangura denied bail and remanded the accused at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown, pending the High Court trial.
