By Fatima Kpaka
Emmanuel Sorie Kamara, Melvin Philip, Alie Koroma, Mark Sahr Njah, and Abdul Bangura on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, made another appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown for allegedly stealing cables at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority substation in Goderich.
The accused were arraigned on a four-count charge including conspiracy to commit a crime contrary to law, larceny contrary to section 2 of The Larceny Act 1916, and unlawful possession contrary to section 13 (1) Cap 37 as amended by section 5 of Act No.6 of 1981.
Police alleged that the accused on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) substation in Goderich, Freetown conspired together to commit a crime to wit Larceny
Police further alleged that the accused stole one drum cable valued at twelve thousand new Leones (12, 000), property of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority, EDSA.
Police further alleged that the accused were found in possession of one role black cable suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority, EDSA.
The accused were also found in possession of five small roles of cables, 92 pieces of connectors, 15 screw installations, and other items suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority.
The accused had earlier pleaded not guilty to the offense when the charges were read and explained to them.
The prosecutor DSP Sorie Conteh sought an adjournment that the witnesses are absent in court.
Defense Counsel Chernor Kamara renewed his previous bail application on behalf of the accused persons.
Magistrate Bangura granted the accused persons bail each in the sum of Le20,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
He ordered that each surety must be a resident in Freetown and must be a responsible citizen. The bail is to be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The matter comes up again on September 4, 2024, for further hearing.