By Saio Marrah
After two consecutive hearings without presenting the prosecution witness, Magistrate Mark Ngegba last Friday expressed his dismay over the delay in the Preliminary Investigations (PI) of a murder case at Court No.1 in Freetown.
He said the matter is a fresh one, but that the prosecution had not proceeded with even their first witness.
The Acting Prosecutor, Police Sergeant Lahai M, while applying for another adjournment, was unable to tell the court the reason for the absence of their witnesses.
He told the magistrate that the substantive Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police, Dahlia Wellington was reportedly sick.
The Head of Legal and Justice Support Department of Sierra Leone Police, Joan Bull, who was in the Chamber, promised to take stern action against police prosecutors that are delaying cases.
Bull also promised to forward the police prosecutors’ conduct to the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
According to her, she always alert each of the prosecutors about their upcoming cases in a bid to ensure they do the needful.
21 year old accused, Salamatu Conteh faces one count of murder, that on the 16th of July this year, she murdered the deceased at 18A Sumaila Town in Freetown, where they were living with other family members.
The fair in complexion accused stood in front of the presiding Magistrate, with an expressionless look on her face. The murder PI resumes 28th of September this year.
In another matter, the Prosecution also failed to produce a witness in an ongoing alleged illegal possession of prohibited drug commonly known as Kush matter.
A food seller, Messie Jusu as the seventh accused was among others charged being found in a place where they sell and smoke kush.
The first and second accused, Kumba Mansaray and Zainab Kamara respectively were allegedly found in possession of the suspected illegal substance, Kush at No.8 Regent Road, Lumley in Freetown.
The third, fourth, Fifth, and sixth accused, had all pleaded guilty to the offence and had paid the alternative fine of 800 New Leones to avoid the six months imprisonment.
Jusu is on bail, while the first and second accused are still on remand.
The preliminary investigation will resume on the 29th of September this year.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (25/09/23)
