By Janet A. Sesay
Police Constable Desmond Kemokia has testified before Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown in the ongoing trial of 23-year-old waste collector, Lawrence Williams, who is facing charges of wounding and assault.
Williams appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah on three counts: wounding, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861; assault on a police officer, contrary to Section 39 of the Police Act No. 7 of 1964; and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
According to the charge sheet, on 10th June, 2026 at Murray Town in Freetown’s Western Area, the accused allegedly maliciously wounded Police Constable Desmond Mohamed Kemokai. Prosecutors further allege that Williams assaulted the officer while he was lawfully carrying out his duties and caused him actual bodily harm.
The Prosecution’s First Witness, Police Constable 21452 Desmond Mohamed Kemokai, who is attached to the Freetown West Regional Police Division at Lumley as an Operations Officer, testified that he recognized the accused.
He told the court that on the day of the incident, he and other officers were conducting an operation at Banana Water, Murray Town, when they allegedly found the Defendant selling Kush, Tramadol, and other prohibited items.
The witness said that while attempting to arrest the Defendant, Williams, he allegedly hit him in the mouth, causing it to bleed. He further testified that during the incident, his bag containing his police identity card and Le500,000 in cash was taken.
Kemokai said the accused was subsequently arrested and taken to the police station and that he was issued a police medical request form, which was later endorsed by medical personnel and returned to the police, after which he made a statement to Police Investigators.
The accused, who was not represented by a lawyer, cross-examined the witness.
Magistrate Jah refused bail and remanded Williams to the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 27th July, 2026 for further hearing.