By: Alimatu Kargbo
A 32-year-old businesswoman, Aminata Koroma, of 182 Regent Road, Freetown, appeared in court following her arrest on May 17, 2024, on a charge of domestic violence, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Domestic Violence Act of 2007.
According to the charge sheet, Aminata allegedly subjected her partner, Mohamed Mustangs Sam Kabba, to ongoing abuse between August 1 and September 7, 2023, while they lived together at Regent Road, Lumley, and Freetown.
The court heard that the two were in a domestic relationship during the time of the alleged abuse.
Testifying before the court, Detective Police Constable Edward Serintin, attached to the Family Support Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department on Pademba Road, gave his account of the investigation.
Serintin, who resides at 30B Wellington, Freetown, told the court that on January 10, 2024, while on duty, the accused reported to their office. Acting on the instruction of his superior, Inspector Abubakar Kamara, a formal statement was taken from Aminata.
Serintin stated that he, along with Detective Inspector 14103 Mattia MH, conducted a caution and questioning session with Aminata in Krio. Her responses were recorded in English, and the statement was later read back to her in Krio.
According to the officer, Aminata admitted the contents to be true and voluntarily signed the statement. The statement was presented in court as Exhibit A1–12.
During cross-examination led by defense counsel Gavawo, the officer was questioned about whether Aminata had denied the allegations during questioning. While Serintin initially stated that she did not deny the claims, he later said he could not clearly recall. When asked if a search of Aminata’s residence was conducted as part of the investigation, he responded that he was not the lead investigator and could not confirm.
The matter has been adjourned to April 14, 2025, for further proceedings.
