Apprentice Accused of Stealing 810 Bags of Cement from Zak Materials

By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone — Ibrahim Suma, an apprentice, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Friday, 1st November 2024, facing two charges: conspiracy to commit a crime and larceny by servant. The charges stem from an alleged theft of cement from Zak Building Materials in Freetown.

According to the charge sheet, Suma, on Sunday, 1st September 2024, conspired with one or more unknown persons to commit the crime of larceny by servant at Queen Elizabeth II Quay in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. The conspiracy allegedly involved the theft of cement from the building materials company, Zak Building Materials.

The second charge states that, in his capacity as an employee of Zak Building Materials, Suma stole 810 bags of imported cement, valued at Le 155 each, amounting to a total value of Le 125,550,000. The cement was reportedly the property of Zak Building Materials, which Suma is accused of misappropriating.

During the proceedings, Assistant Superintendent of Police Thoronka, representing the prosecution, requested a short adjournment, explaining that one of her witnesses was absent. The prosecution also stated that the investigation was still ongoing, and further evidence would be presented in future hearings.

Suma’s defense attorney, S.L. Lewis, made a plea for mercy on behalf of his client. He argued that Suma is a fervent Muslim who wished to perform his Jumah prayers, urging Magistrate Bangura to be lenient in his judgment. Lewis further emphasized that Suma is a Sierra Leonean citizen with reliable sureties, who would ensure his presence in court whenever needed.

Magistrate Bangura, after considering the defense’s arguments, granted Suma bail in the sum of Le 130,000 with two sureties. The sureties must be responsible citizens residing in Freetown. The bail conditions are subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar of the court.

The case has been adjourned to 21st November 2024 for further hearing. Magistrate Bangura indicated that further evidence would be presented during the next hearing and urged both the prosecution and defense to prepare for the continuation of the case.