By Emma Black

Three individuals Anthony Kamara (20), a carpenter, Alusine Sesay (25), a laborer, and Josephus Mansaray (25), also a laborer made their initial court appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8, facing allegations of a significant theft at LEOCEM Cement factory. The accused are charged with two counts: Conspiracy, contrary to law, and Store Breaking, under Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.

The particulars of the offense state that on May 27, 2025, at the LEOCEM Cement factory on Bett Street, Kankay, Cline Town, in the Western Area of Freetown, the trio conspired with unknown accomplices to commit store breaking and larceny. Count two alleges that on the same date and location, they broke into the factory’s lubricant store with intent to steal, taking 208 litres of CLP Oil, 180 litres of EP2 Oil, and 208 litres of 15W40 oil, totalling 62,798,000 Leones, all property of LEOCEM Cement factory.

When the charges were read and explained, no plea was entered by the accused. The prosecution’s lead witness, Detective Police Constable 14898 Joseph C. Dumbuya, presented testimony alongside John Mac Adeyemi, the principal shop steward and electrician at the factory. Adeyemi recalled that on May 27, 2025, while at work, an Indian colleague informed him of suspicious activity. He alerted security, who provided further details leading to the arrest of the three suspects. Adeyemi interrogated the accused, who admitted to breaking into the store and pleaded for mercy. He reported the incident to his supervisor, Chraykant, who advised legal action, prompting a report to Ross Road Police Station. Accompanied by the storekeeper, Adeyemi confirmed the theft of items valued at 62,798,000 Leones and later provided a statement to the police.

The accused, unrepresented by legal counsel, cross-examined the witness but offered no formal defense. Magistrate Samura, citing the severity of the offense, denied bail and ordered the suspects remanded to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case has been adjourned until June 19, 2025, for further proceedings.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Wednesday, June 11TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)