September 1, 2016 By Hawa Amara
Presiding Magistrate at the Freetown Magistrates’ Court No.1, Dr. Abou Bhakarr Binneh-Kamara, yesterday committed to the High Court an incest matter involving one Ezekiel Mohamed Marcus Bassie, who allegedly penetrated his stepdaughter.
The accused was subjected to preliminary investigation at the Magistrates’ Court for the offence of sexual penetration of a child, contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012.
According to the particulars of offence, the accused on diverse dates between April and May 2016 at address in Freetown sexually penetrated the victim, 12 years.
Reading his committal statement, Magistrate Dr. Binneh-Kamara said the prosecution called two witnesses who testified in court, adding “I have gone through the evidence in this matter and I am satisfied that the accused person has a question to answer pursuant to the offence charged. I therefore commit this matter to the High Court for trial.
Meanwhile, the victim identified the accused as her stepfather and recalled that between April and May 2016 the former had frequent sex with her.
She said the accused would always switch-off the light in the room, remove his trouser, strip her naked, before penetrating her.
She explained that the she later reported the abuse to her elder sister, who took her to Lumley Police Station, where they made a report to the police and were given a medical request form which they took to the Rainbow Centre at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital, where she was examined and treated. She said later made a statement to the police.