By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – George Wyndham, a 34-year-old athlete and former contestant on season two of Housemates Sierra Leone, appeared in court on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. He faces charges of obtaining money by false pretenses, in violation of Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act of 1916. The case is being heard by Magistrate Sahr Kekura at the Pademba Road Court No. 1.
The charges stem from two incidents that occurred in July 2024. According to court records, Wyndham allegedly defrauded Patricia Sama of $13,000 USD (equivalent to 312,000 Leones) by falsely promising to facilitate travel to France for a group that included George Lucinda Kallon, Ibrahim Sundi, Sama Jalikatu Bah, William Zidan Sonjor, and others. Prosecutors claim that Wyndham knew this claim to be false.
In a second charge, Wyndham is accused of defrauding Saffa Kanneh of $13,000 USD and an additional 58,000 Leones (totaling 370,000 Leones) under the same pretense—that he would help Kanneh’s family and relatives travel to France.
When the charges were read in court, Wyndham did not enter a plea.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Ibrahim S. Mansaray requested a brief adjournment to allow time for further discussions with his witness. Meanwhile, Wyndham’s defense counsel, J.M. Kofie Esq., applied for bail, arguing that the allegations are yet to be proven and that Wyndham has reliable sureties who would ensure he complies with court proceedings. Kofie cited Section 79 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965 and Section 7 (1c) of the Bail Regulations, emphasizing Wyndham’s special circumstances.
Magistrate Kekura granted bail, setting the amount at 200,000 Leones per charge. Each bail condition required two sureties, who must reside in Freetown’s Western Area. Bail was to be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The case has been adjourned until October 28, 2024, for further hearings.
