Driver Appears in Court for Stealing $16,000 Vehicle

By Mamajah Jalloh

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Andrew Lamin Kamara, a driver, made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on a charge of Larceny by Servant, contrary to Section 17 (1) (a) of the Larceny Act 1916.

According to the police charge sheet, on November 18, 2024, in Kamasasa Village, Kambia District, Kamara, employed as a servant by Alhaji Amadu Sow, allegedly stole a white Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number AWX 565, valued at $16,000 (approximately NLe 335,512), the property of Alhaji Amadu Sow.

When the charge was read to the accused, no plea was entered. Kamara was not legally represented in court.

State Prosecutor 8235 presented the first prosecution witness, Musa Barrie, a businessman, who testified that he knew the accused as the driver of his uncle. Musa recalled an incident on November 16, 2024, when the complainant informed him that Kamara and the vehicle were missing. He sent Alpha Abubakarr Sow to inquire at the toll gates, where they were told that Kamara had crossed on Saturday but had not yet returned. Musa further stated that they later discovered the vehicle at a checkpoint in Jendema and subsequently reported the matter to the Bo Police Station. The case was then transferred to Freetown, where a statement was made to the police.

The witness was cross-examined by the accused.

Magistrate Bangura denied bail and ordered the accused to remain in custody at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case has been adjourned to December 11, 2024, for further proceedings.