Two men, Dodou Sanneh and Lamin Marong, were yesterday arraigned at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court as suspects in a recently uncovered attempt to steal 600 mobile phones from Africell. The men, appearing before Principal Magistrate Buba Jawo, were charged with two counts criminal offences: store breaking and stealing, contrary to sections 158 and 152 respectively.

Upon hearing the reading of the charge sheet, the duo pleaded guilty to the offences of store breaking and stealing from a store belonging to Africell at Westfield. According to the facts elucidated by the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent Bojang, the duo illegally entered the store in question between April and May 2008 and stole thirty cartons containing 600 mobiles valued at D525,000.00 He told the court that when the matter was discovered, it was reported to Serrekunda police. Prosecutor Bojang further stated that a thorough investigation led to the arrest of the two men.

Following their guilty pleas, Dodou Sanneh and Lamin Marong were sentenced according to the law. Dodou Sanneh, who was charged on both counts, was sentenced to a two-year jail term on each count with both sentences to run concurrently. Lamin Marong, charged only on count two, was sentenced to two years.   

Meanwhile 15 cartons containing 300 mobile phones are said to have been recovered following the investigation mounted by the police. Prosecutor Bojang applied under section 148 of the CPC for the return of the phones to their rightful owner, Africell. The court granted the application.

The court further ruled that the complainant company pursue for the retrieval of the missing 300 mobile phones by dint of a civil suit, in order to help them gain the amount of D265,500 being the value of the phones.