By Francis H. Murray
A fifteen-year old girl, who was allegedly sexually penetrated by one Abdul Razak Kamara at Hastings just outside of Freetown, has testified before Justice Momoh Jah Stevens at the High Court in Freetown.
Led in evidence by lawyer Jeneba Kamara, the witness recognized the accused as her neighbor and recalled that on a certain day in 2018; she was sent by her Aunt Florence Kamara to buy baby diapers when it was already dark. The witness said she was eleven years old at the time of the alleged incident.
She said on her way, having passed the accused who was seated at a certain veranda, he began to follow her and later grabbed her and took her to an unfinished building and threatened to kill her if she shouted. She said even though it was dark, she was able to recognize the accused.
The 15 year old gave graphic details of the sexual assault the accused inflicted on her and said after he had finished the act he got up and left the scene while she wiped away her tears and struggled to walk home.
The witness said on the following day, her aunt realized that she was walking quite abnormally and after she was interrogated, she disclosed what had transpired between her and the accused after which she was taken to the Hastings hospital where she was examined by a certain woman who confirmed that she had been tampered with, adding that she was later taken to the police station where a statement was obtained from her.
Under cross-examination by the accused person who is defending himself, the witness said she could clearly identify the accused as the man who abused her. She stressed that she could not scream at the time because the accused covered her mouth and threatened to kill her if she shouted.
Her testimony on Monday 1st February 2021 followed the granting of an application by the state prosecutor for a trial by judge alone.
The prosecution alleges that the accused on a date unknown between 29th September and 4th October 2018, in the Western Area Rural village of Hastings, sexually penetrated a girl below the age of 18.
The matter was adjourned to the 3rd February 2021.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online
