By Emma Black

Aminata Koroma, a 32-year-old businesswoman of 182 Regent Road, Freetown, stood before a magistrate this week, charged with domestic violence under Section 2(1) of the Domestic Violence Act of 2007. Arrested on May 17, 2024, she’s accused of abusing her partner, Mohamed Mustangs Sam Kabba, during their time living together at Regent Road, Lumley, between August 1 and September 7, 2023.

The charge sheet paints a grim picture: a domestic relationship marred by alleged ongoing abuse. Koroma, once a fixture in Freetown’s business scene, now faces scrutiny in a courtroom, her fate hinging on police testimony and her own words.

Detective Police Constable Edward Serintin, from the Family Support Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department on Pademba Road, took the stand. Residing at 30B Wellington, Freetown, he recounted the investigations early steps. On January 10, 2024, Aminata reported to their office, where, under Inspector Abubakar Kamaras orders, Serintin took her statement. Alongside Detective Inspector Mattia MH (Badge 14103), he questioned her in Krio, recording her answers in English. She confirmed it was true and signed it, Serintin testified, presenting the document as Exhibit A1–12.

Defense counsel Gavawo pressed Serintin during cross-examination. Had Aminata denied the allegations? She didnt, he first said, only to waver: I can’t fully recall. Asked about a search of her home, Serintin deflected. I wasn’t the lead—I can’t say, he admitted, exposing cracks in his account and leaving questions dangling.

The case, raw with tension, paused as the court adjourned to April 14, 2025, for further proceedings. Koroma, free for now but shadowed by the charge, faces a legal reckoning that could redefine her life—and spotlight Sierra Leone’s stance on domestic violence,for Mohamed Mustangs Sam Kabba, the alleged victim, it’s a wait for closure. For the court, it’s a test of evidence and memory. As Freetown watches, the next hearing looms large.