By Mohamed J. Kargbo
Mohamed Sesay, a 24-year-old tiler, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1, charged with stealing items valued at over 50 million Leones from the Sierra Drilling and Water Company.
Sesay faces two counts: office breaking and larceny, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916. According to police reports, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, Sesay allegedly broke into the Sierra Drilling and Water Company’s office at 10A Murray Town Road, Freetown, stealing various items worth NLe 27,000.
On the second count, authorities allege that on Saturday, October 12, 2024, Sesay again broke into the company’s office and stole two standing fans and other valuable items, valued at NLe 32,500. The stolen items belong to Sierra Drilling and Water Company.
Inspector Kadie Taylor led the prosecution, bringing in Kemoh Bayoh, a geophysicist, as a witness. Bayoh testified that he works for Sierra Drilling and Water Supply Company, which specializes in drilling boreholes and water supply, at 10 Murray Town Road. Bayoh stated that he recognized the accused and recalled the incidents on September 21 and October 12, 2024.
He told the court that he was at home when he received a call from the office assistant, who informed him of the break-in. Upon arriving at the office, he noticed damage to the main entrance gate and office door and discovered several items missing.
Those included two outer AC units valued at Nle 7,000, a surface water pump worth Le 1,000, a security roll cable valued at NLe 4,500, a metal door at the security post worth 5,000 NLe, and a horizontal metal gate valued at Nle 2,500, with a total value of Nle 27,000.
“I reported the theft at Congo Cross Police Station, and two officers accompanied me to the crime scene, where they took photographs and recorded my statement,” Bayoh told the court.
Bayoh further testified that, a few weeks later, he received another call from the office assistant, informing him of another theft. When he arrived at the office, he found Sesay on the premises holding two fans.
The matter was adjourned to November 11, 2024, due to challenges faced by the magistrate in obtaining the witness’s full testimony. Sesay has been remanded at the Male Correctional Center.
