Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. In a significant ruling during the September Criminal Session presided over by Justice Alfred Ganda, Alusine Conteh, a native doctor, was convicted of larceny but was ultimately discharged after serving seven months in prison.
Conteh faced a charge of larceny under Section 13(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916. The court heard that on March 4, 2025, in Freetown, he unlawfully stole multiple items from Mabinty Kanu’s residence.
The stolen property included an Android tablet, a bottle of mayonnaise, a chain, two rolls of sachet milk, three cups of sugar, a tin of cocoa, three packets of butter, and cash totaling 12,528 Leones. After the charge was read and explained, Conteh pleaded guilty to the offense, prompting the court to proceed with sentencing.
State Counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay presented the case, revealing that Conteh, a traditional healer, was invited by the complainant to assist with health issues concerning her daughter-in-law. However, instead of providing medical aid, Conteh allegedly stole the items after requesting a payment of 2,000 Leones. When the complainant explained she lacked the money but could offer items of equivalent value, Conteh reportedly agreed, only to later take the items without her consent.
The prosecution further stated that Conteh made confessional statements to police admitting to the theft. When questioned by Justice Ganda, the defendant admitted he took the items because the complainant refused to pay him the money he requested.
In his plea for mercy, Conteh explained that he has been incarcerated for the past seven months and expressed remorse for his actions. His defense lawyer, O.V. Gabber, highlighted Conteh’s youth and potential for a better future, noting that his guilty plea avoided unnecessary court proceedings.
Justice Ganda, taking into account the time served, discharged Conteh, emphasizing that this decision also served as a reminder of the importance of respecting the law and the trust placed in traditional healers.
This case underscores the importance of integrity among practitioners and the need for accountability in all sectors of society.
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