By Alimatu Kargbo
Four accused persons have appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 in Freetown on four counts of conspiracy, store breaking and larceny, and receiving stolen goods.
The accused are: 27-year-old unemployed, Mohamed Kargbo, alias Bowl Pan; 44-year-old labourer, Abdul Kargbo, alias Chicken; apprentice, Albert Harding, alias Bullet; and 22-year-old petty trader, Kadiatu Kamara.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly conspired with other persons unknown between 1st and 14th July 2026 at No. 44 Regent Road, Freetown, to commit store breaking and larceny. The prosecution alleged that they broke into the store of businessman, Mohamed Bah, with intent to steal.
The stolen items reportedly include: 56 cartons of Mentholion products, each valued at Le1,500, amounting to Le84,000; 21 cartons of PRO Complete toothpaste, each valued at Le1,500; and 10 cartons of Benny seasoning, each valued at Le550, all belonging to Mohamed Bah.
The fourth accused, Kadiatu Kamara, is separately charged with receiving stolen goods, contrary to Section 33(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916. The prosecution alleged that she knowingly received stolen Mentholion products valued at Le1,500.
During the proceedings, all four accused admitted the offences and pleaded for forgiveness from the complainant after the charges were explained to them.
When invited by the court to question the complainant, the first, second and fourth accused declined and instead appealed for leniency.
The third accused, Albert Harding, asked the complainant whether he had personally seen him during the alleged break-in. In response, Mohamed Bah told the court that he did not witness the incident himself, but said one Walter had informed him that the accused were involved in the store breaking.
At this point DSP Conteh, the Prosecutor, informed the court that four witnesses would testify. They include; Ibrahim Conteh, Chernor Maju Bah, Aminata Sesay, described as the factual witness, and the investigating police officer, who will testify as the formal witness.
Magistrate Fornah then asked the accused whether they wished to hear from all the prosecution witnesses and cross-examine them. All four responded in the affirmative.
The court subsequently directed the prosecution to issue subpoenas for all its witnesses to appear at the next hearing.
The matter was adjourned to 4th August 2026 for further hearing.
