October 27, 2016 By Hawa Amara
Hawa Koroma, a nurse at the Princes Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), yesterday testified against her colleague, who allegedly stole a one day old baby at the facility.
While Koroma was testifying before Magistrate Dr. Abou Bhakarr Binneh-Kamara at the Freetown Magistrates’ Court No.1, she told the court that she was attached to the post-operation ward, while the 1st accused (Phyllis Steven), was a sister at the hospital.
She explained that on Monday, 5 September, 2016 she took up duty from the accused in the same ward.
She admitted knowing the complainant, who was admitted at Ward Four (4) after giving birth to twins.
“When I took up duty, I noticed one of the children was missing. I went to the 1st accused and told her what I observed,” she stated.
The witness continues that the first accused told her that one of the children had been taken down for immunisation.
“But she became worried when the relatives of the complainant came and noticed that one of the children had got missing. I asked one of the relatives of the complainant as whether it was one of them that had gone with the child for the immunisation, but she replied knowing nothing about the whereabouts of the missing child,” She said.
“When I went through the registration book, I noticed that it was one Sama Musa, who identified herself as the sister-in-law of the complainant, that had taken away the child,” she narrated.
She further stated that they later cross-checked with one Rugiatu, who did the entry in the immunisation book, but found no evidence to prove that the child was taken for immunisation.
She said the missing child was later discovered at a place called Special Custody Unit.
The accused persons – Phyllis Steven and Regina Steven – are before the court on two counts of conspiracy and kidnapping, contrary to law.
According to the particulars of offence, the accused persons on Monday, 5 September, 2016 at ward four, PCMH, conspired with unknown individuals to commit a felony, to wit kidnapping a one-day-old baby boy.
The matter continues on 8 November, 2016.