By: Alimatu Kargbo
A 56-year-old woman, Edwina Bockarie, has appeared before Magistrate John Manso Bangura at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 in Freetown, accused of assaulting Sia Khan and causing her actual bodily harm. Bockarie is facing one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
According to the particulars of the offence, the alleged incident occurred on Sunday, July 18, 2026, at ECOWAS Street, Freetown, in the Western Area of Sierra Leone.
During the proceedings, prosecution witness, Isha Sesay, a businesswoman residing at Kroo Bay, told the court that she knew both Bockarie and the complainant and was present when the incident allegedly took place.
Sesay recalled that she had gone to the PZ area in town to buy a dress when she witnessed the confrontation. She told the court that Khan was attempting to pass when Bockarie allegedly blocked her way, insisting that she would not allow her through. According to the witness, Bockarie accused Khan of cutting her child’s hair, which she claimed had resulted in the child being admitted to hospital.
The witness further alleged that another woman removed Khan’s wig before Bockarie slapped her across the face.
Sesay said Khan pleaded with Bockarie, telling her that she did not know her and had no connection with her. She also recalled that Khan’s son, who was present during the incident, cried out for his mother.
According to the witness, the chairman of the area later arrived and attempted to disperse the crowd that had gathered. Sesay said they subsequently went to the Central Police Station, where she and Khan made statements to the police.
The matter was adjourned to November 3, 2026, for further hearing and cross-examination.
