By Francis H. Murray
Eight accused persons alleged to have been involved in raping an elderly woman last month have been denied bail.
The eight men made their 3rd appearance before Magistrate Abdul Sheriff at the Padempa Road Magistrate Court No 3 on Friday. They face 18 count charges.
The matter was charged to court on the 27th February 2020 by Detective Police Constable Joseph Aliho Bangali, attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police.
The accused persons: Jinah Gberie, Alhaji Osman Fofanah, Micheal Patrick Ansumana, Morlai Fofanah and four others, are accused by the police of conspiring with others unknown to tape a 55 year old woman on the 11th January 2020 at Moutor Village, Kpanda Kemoh Chiefdom in Bonthe District, Southern Sierra Leone.
The accused persons were charged with offences ranging from conspiracy to rape, conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to false imprisonment, rape, wounding with intent, causing grievous bodily harm, wounding, riotous conduct, disorderly behavior, kidnapping, false imprisonment and a host of offenses.
Prosecuting on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Prosecutor No 2 Bangalie stated that he was instructed by his bosses to charge the accused persons with the said offences.
Cross-examining Prosecutor witness No 2, defense counsel, Lawyer H. M Ngevao, argued that there was no evidence tendered before the court that Jinah Gberie, one of the accused who’s over 80 years, sexually penetrated the victim.
After questioning the prosecution witness No 2, who could not produce any evidence or proof that the first accused actually penetrated the victim, H. M Ngevao pleaded with the Magistrate to recall for prosecution witness No 1 who testified during the last sitting.
The defence counsel then pleaded for all accused persons to be granted bail, citing the presumption of innocence which he said was cardinal to the court. He assured the court that his clients would endeavour to meet the bail conditions as and when necessary.
His request for a recall of prosecution witness No 1 was granted by Magistrate Sheriff, who also warned the prosecuting counsel to tender all necessary exhibits before the next hearing.
The matter was adjourned to the 10th March 2020.
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