FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – The High Court has launched its September 2025 criminal session with an overwhelming number of property-related offences, as housebreaking and larceny dominate the docket.
Out of the 75 cases set for trial after preliminary hearings in the Magistrate Courts, 26 involve housebreaking and larceny—the single largest category on the schedule.
Justice Alfred Tommy Ganda, who presided over the opening proceedings, reviewed the files and reassigned several matters to other judges for full hearings.
During the first day of the session, a number of accused persons pleaded guilty to burglary-related charges, while others were convicted and sentenced to varying prison terms. Some defendants were released after the court ruled that time already served was sufficient punishment.
Legal Aid Board lawyers representing many of the accused urged the court to consider personal circumstances and the lengthy periods some suspects have spent in custody.
Although the session also includes cases of murder, drug offences, and human trafficking, court officials say the spike in property crimes highlights growing concerns about burglary and theft across Sierra Leone.
Serious housebreaking cases have been scheduled for full trial in the coming weeks as the judiciary works to clear backlogs and deliver timely justice.
