By Fatima Kpaka
Santigie Kamara, an officer of the Operational Support Division (OSD), was remanded in custody on Friday, March 14, 2025, by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1. Kamara is accused of fatally shooting his elder brother, Francis Amara Kanneh, in an incident that occurred on January 19, 2025, at 555 Lorry Park, Waterloo, Freetown.
The accused appeared in court for the first time and was charged with murder under Section 1 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, as amended by Section 1(a) of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021 (Act No.6 of 2022). No plea was entered as the charge was read and explained to him by the court clerk.
The first prosecution witness, Maseray Nallah, a businesswoman, testified that she knew both the accused and the deceased as family friends. She recounted that on January 19, 2025, she was in her shop with the deceased when the accused entered and requested an energy drink. She asked him to pay for the drink, but he said he would return later. The accused then left the shop, leaving the deceased behind.
A few minutes later, Nallah testified, the accused returned dressed in his OSD uniform. He pointed at his brother, stating that he had come specifically for him. According to Nallah, the accused then pointed his gun at the deceased and shot him three times, causing him to collapse and die on the spot. She described the scene as horrifying, with blood oozing from the deceased’s body. Shocked and distraught, she shouted for help as people gathered at her shop.
Nallah further stated that her belongings were stolen during the commotion, and her sisters later took her to Bassa Town to recover from the traumatic incident. She subsequently made a statement to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The deceased was later buried at Kankalay Cemetery in Waterloo.
During cross-examination by defense counsel W.C. Eloba, Nallah maintained her account of the events. The case has been adjourned to March 20, 2025, for continuation, with the accused remaining in custody.