By Mohamed Foday Conteh
A prosecution witness Balu Mannah has explained to the Sexual Offences court in Freetown how an accused, Philip Mammy was identified in an alleged case of sexual penetration of an underage girl. Appearing before the court presided over by Justice Michael Mamie on Friday 2 July, the woman who identified herself as wife and a house owner, said she could recall 6th August 2020 whilst in her room that the wife of the accused by the name of Amie beckoned her to rush outside.
She said that together with her husband, sister, the accused and his wife as well as the alleged victim, they all went and sat in a room. She said the wife of the accused then informed them that the child had told her of how Mammy had sexual intercourse with her again.
Balu said that they asked the child to explain what had happened, to which the child claimed Mammy had threatened her with a knife to take off her underwear. Balu said that as the child had wanted to proceed with her explanation, the accused grabbed her by the mouth and threatened to kill her. Balu said that it was her husband who wrestled the accused off the child.
After the altercation at the house, Balu said that she had cause to take the child to a local nurse who confirmed that the child has been tampered with. She added that she was scared to go to the police but only choose to do so after she heard from her sister that the accused has been misbehaving at home.
She said that she made statement at the police and that the police issued a warrant of arrest for the accused. However, she said that as they were on their way to the house to arrest the accused, he saw them and fled. She said that it was the councilor of the community that later requested for his arrest after persistence of violent behaviour. She added that the child was later taken into care by children’s organisation, John Bosco.
During cross-examination by counsel for the accused, M. Karimu, Balu confirmed that the accused had been their tenant for 3 months prior to the said incident. She denied allegation that she had been in a quarrel with accused before the said incident.
Justice Michael Mamie adjourned the matter for continuation of cross-examination of Balu Mannah on the 15th July 2021.
Copyright © 05/07/21 Politico Online
