By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone: A high-profile theft case unfolded at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court as businesswoman Zahra Khadar testified against her maid and four others accused of stealing $25,000 from her residence in Goderich.
Appearing before Magistrate John Manso Fornah, the five accused—Mariatu Bangura alias Sampa (maid), Alhassan Sankoh (cleaner), Katimu Sillah (house help), Noah Koroma (bike rider), and Fatmata Sillah (unemployed)—were charged with three counts: conspiracy to commit a felony, larceny by servant under Section 17(1)(a) of the Larceny Act 1916, and accessory after the fact under Section 35 of the same Act.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on August 26, 2025, at No. 8 Author Drive, Bango Farm, Goderich. The accused allegedly conspired with unknown individuals to steal the sum of $25,000 belonging to Khadar.
Led in evidence by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, Khadar identified the accused and detailed their roles in the alleged crime. She stated that a discrepancy of $2,400 was first noticed during a bank transaction at CEO Bank. Upon returning home, she confronted her maid and houseboy, who admitted to the theft.
Khadar testified that Bangura produced $2,400 and an additional $1,200, while a search of Sankoh’s room revealed $800. A further $3,600 was found in Bangura’s room. She also alleged that Bangura used part of the stolen funds to purchase a motorbike for her boyfriend, Koroma, and that Sankoh gave money to his sister, Katimu Sillah, to buy another bike in the provinces. Police later recovered $2,000 from Katimu Sillah, now held in custody.
Defense counsel M.Y. Conteh applied for bail under Regulation 7 of 2018 and Section 76(1)(c) of 2024, arguing that the accused had credible sureties. However, Magistrate Fornah denied the application, citing the gravity of the charges and the potential for interference with witnesses.
The case has been adjourned to September 22, 2025, for further proceedings.
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