By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone
A 20-year-old scrap metal collector, Julius Aruna Mongoh, was on Monday, 2nd May 2025, sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1. The sentencing followed Mongoh’s conviction on charges of malicious damage and larceny involving property belonging to the Government Printing Department at New England Ville.
According to court records, the incident occurred on Saturday, 1st February 2025, when Mongoh reportedly damaged and stole four air conditioners, each valued at Le30,000, amounting to a total loss of Le120,000. The stolen items were the property of the Government Printing Department in Freetown.
Mongoh faced two charges: malicious damage contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861, and larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916. He initially pleaded not guilty to both counts.
Prosecuting officer Inspector Kadie M. Taylor led four witnesses during the proceedings. Upon conclusion of the testimonies, the case file was submitted for ruling.
In a plea for leniency, the accused begged the court for mercy, stating that it was his first offense. Magistrate Kekura acknowledged the plea and considered the mitigating factors before delivering judgment.
“Taking into account that the accused is a first-time offender and has expressed remorse for his actions, this court will temper justice with mercy,” Magistrate Kekura stated.
He then sentenced Mongoh to 18 months at the Freetown Correctional Centre or, alternatively, to pay a fine of Le2,000 to the state.
The case underscores the consequences of theft and damage to public property, as the judiciary continues to reinforce accountability and uphold the rule of law.
