By Prince Musa in Kenema
Nineteen people in Kenema District were sentenced yesterday by Magistrate Alhaji Sulaiman Koroma for various traffic offences. They included drivers, commercial and private motorbike riders and passengers.
The charges ranged from riding without a protective headgear or crash helmet, a seatbelt or a license.
All 19 pleaded guilty to the various charges and pleaded for mercy.
However Magistrate Koroma decided to sentence them to three months in prison or pay a fine ranging from Le 200,000 to Le 600,000.
Many have seen these convictions as a huge boost to the regulation of traffic in Kenema, a place infamous for especially commercial bike riding. The authorities in the district have always struggled to control the riders.
However many have expressed surprise that passengers riding on bikes were also targeted in the latest traffic crackdown.
18 of them were later released on bail, but the 19th accused, Ahmed Hisham was denied bail because in addition to his traffic offences, he is also charged with allegedly assaulting a police officer to which he also pleaded guilty.
Hisham, of Lebanese origin, was sent back to prison even after paying his Le 600,000 fine.
© Politico 15/07/16
