Freetown, Sierra Leone — Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 has discharged Kelfala Sandy, who was facing a motor manslaughter charge of a pupil of Methodist Girls High School.
The decision came after a review of the evidence presented.
The incident, according to the charge sheet, occurred on June 26, 2024, at 12:50 PM within the Methodist Girls High School compound in Wilberforce, Western Urban Area.
Sandy, operating a vehicle registered as SCH Bus 002 Golden Dragon, was accused of unlawfully killing Elizabeth Mansaray.
No plea was taken from the accused when the charge was initially read.
During the court proceedings, the family of the deceased—Elizabeth Mansaray’s father, mother, and uncle—expressed their forgiveness towards Sandy and formally requested to drop the charge.
Abdulai Conteh, a businessman and the deceased’s uncle, testified in court. He recounted receiving a call from the school authorities on the day of the incident, informing him of the tragic accident involving his niece.
Conteh confirmed the death at the scene and mentioned that the police had conducted an investigation, which led to the court case.
Conteh further stated that after several discussions between the families of the accused and the deceased, they decided to forgive Sandy and withdraw the charge.
Defense counsel F. Kortu represented Sandy, while Assistant Superintendent of Police Isatu Baba Musa prosecuted the case.
