By Fatima Kpaka
In a significant development in the Leicester Peak murder case, Detective Police Constable Bangura H. on Monday, February 10, 2025, presented crucial photographic evidence before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Court No. 2. The evidence pertained to the gruesome murder of Nabieu Bangura, who was allegedly set ablaze by his wife, Hawanatu Hawa Koroma.
Hawanatu Hawa Koroma faces a murder charge, in violation of section 1 of the Offences Against the Person’s Act of 1816, as amended by section (1a) of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act of 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2022). According to the charge sheet, the accused fatally attacked her husband on Friday, November 22, 2024, near Leicester Peak Junction in Freetown.
Testifying as the fifth prosecution witness, Detective Police Constable Bangura H, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sorie Conteh, revealed his role in the case. As part of the Scientific Support Office at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters on Pademba Road, his responsibilities include visiting crime scenes, witnessing autopsies, and taking photographs for court use.
Detective Bangura recounted his involvement in the autopsy of the deceased, Nabieu Bangura, conducted on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Connaught Hospital Mortuary in Freetown. The autopsy, led by Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma, was witnessed by Sergeant 10601 Macarthy A.J. Detective Bangura used his Canon digital camera to document the postmortem examination, later compiling the images into a photographic album.
In court, the Canon digital camera was presented as part of the official records, marked as Exhibit F, while the photographic album was marked as Exhibit A1-14. The evidence was crucial in supporting the prosecution’s case.
Under cross-examination by lawyer A.N.D Musa Esq, Detective Bangura stood by his testimony. Magistrate Santigie Bangura denied bail for the accused, remanding her to the female correctional facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned to February 17, 2025.