By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone — Three men, Kemoh Bangura (55), Alimamay Bangura (50), and Alimamay Kargbo (58), appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in connection with the alleged murder of Dr. Abubakarr Bangura. The charges include solicitation to murder, contrary to Section 4 of the Offenses Against the Person Act of 1896.
According to the prosecution, the accused, hailing from Rokon Village in the Port Loko District, allegedly solicited the services of a herbalist, Alusine Kamara, on April 20, 2024, to kill Dr. Bangura.
Police Officer Ibrahim Kamara, a key witness in the case, testified that the first accused, Kemoh Bangura, is his landlord, while the second accused, Alimamay Bangura, is his brother. The complainant, Dr. Bangura, is his first cousin. Kamara stated that he became aware of rumors about a “witch gun” in the house in March when his landlord, Kemoh, informed him that a man named Alusine would be called upon to search for the alleged witch gun.
On April 19, Kamara returned home and found his landlord without clothes. Shortly after, he heard loud noises and learned from his child, John Kamara, that a man in a soldier’s uniform had taken Kemoh. Kamara proceeded to the police station to inquire if there had been any patrol activity the previous day but was told there was none. Later, he saw Kemoh being taken out of a jeep accompanied by a doctor, a soldier, and a driver. Kamara confronted the doctor but then went to fetch clothes for Kemoh, who was complaining of bodily pain.
During cross-examination, Kamara revealed that he was the only police officer present at the incident. He expressed surprise that the herbalist, who was initially called to deal with a “witch gun,” had instead been brought in to treat piles. Kamara instructed him to file a report at the police station.
On the same day, Kamara mentioned that after a meeting with his PS at 4 PM, he went home and found someone attempting to unlock his door. Upon investigation, he discovered it was Dr. Bangura, who questioned him about Kemoh’s whereabouts.
The defense counsel pleaded for bail and leniency, but Magistrate Bangura denied the request due to the severity of the charges. The case has been adjourned to September 23, 2024.
