Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, March 18, 2025 – Santigie Kamara, a former cashier at Golden Beach Casino, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Court No. 2 on charges of larceny by servant, in accordance with Section 17 (1)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916. The case stems from allegations of theft involving two betting chips valued at Six Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety Leones (NLe 679,590).
According to the prosecution, the alleged theft occurred between April and July 2024 at the casino’s Aberdeen location. Kamara, who was employed as a cashier, is accused of stealing the betting chips, which were the property of Golden Beach Casino.
Prosecutor CPS Joan Bull called Human Resources Manager Mohamed Omar Kamara as a witness. Mohamed testified that he identified the accused as a former employee and recalled ongoing incidents of theft that occurred during the specified period. He explained that betting chips serve as open stock at the casino, recorded before being issued for games, and are exchanged for money during gameplay.
Mohamed revealed that discrepancies were noticed between the recorded betting chips and the cash received, which raised concerns. On July 11, 2024, the casino owner, Madam Nancy, called Mohamed to the cashier desk, where the accused was confronted. Madam Nancy alleged she had seen CCTV footage showing the accused taking two betting chips from the table. Despite the accusation, the accused denied wrongdoing.
Mohamed further testified that the accused later asked to retrieve his bag from the staff room but was accompanied by security officers. Upon returning, the accused produced two betting chips – one with a face value of ten thousand Leones and another worth five thousand Leones. The accused was subsequently handed over to the police and taken to the Golf Police Station, where statements were recorded.
During cross-examination, defense counsel F. Gaber questioned the witness, who admitted that over six hundred million Leones’ worth of betting chips had gone missing from the casino. The witness also clarified that the accused only handled money under authorized circumstances.
Kamara, who is currently on bail, faces continued legal proceedings. The court adjourned the matter to March 25, 2025, for further hearings.