Businesswoman Unveils Theft Scheme of Furniture Worth Le376,000 by Her Manager

A Freetown businesswoman's diligent pursuit of stolen property led to a dramatic courtroom confrontation this week, as she testified against her former manager and others accused in the theft of over Le376,000 worth of furniture from her Teng Enterprise warehouse.

In a case that has sent ripples through local business circles, Tamba recounted in Freetown Magistrate Court on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, how her suspicions about missing inventory escalated into a personal investigation that ultimately unraveled a scheme of alleged theft and illicit trading.

The primary accused, Alhaji Sesay, her former manager at Teng Enterprise, faces charges of larceny by servant for allegedly stealing office furniture, including workstation tables, secretary desks, and office sets. 

Vidal Mansaray, Francis Sesay, and Sheku Goba are also charged with receiving stolen property and operating unregistered furniture businesses on Pultney Street, where some of the stolen goods were reportedly sold. 

The alleged incidents occurred between March 15 and April 15, 2025.

Tamba testified that she first noticed goods missing from her warehouse weeks ago. When she confronted Alhaji Sesay, he claimed no knowledge of the vanished items. 

Her breakthrough came while on Pultney Street, where she observed Vidal Mansaray loading items from a building. 

Recognizing her distinctive branded cartons, imported from China, she stopped to photograph the scene and then discreetly followed the truck.

Her pursuit led her to a building on Siaka Stevens Street. There, she approached a security guard, feigning interest in purchasing empty cartons. 

The guard sold her some for Le50. Upon returning home, she presented the cartons to Alhaji Sesay, who, she stated, denied they were hers.

Armed with this evidence, Tamba reported the matter to the Central Police Station, filing a formal statement. 

Police investigations followed, leading to the arrest of the accused and the execution of a search warrant. 

During the search, several stolen items were recovered from the residences of the second and third accused.

During the court hearing, Tamba attempted to disclose details of the search warrant, but her counsel, Sawaneh, objected, citing legal restrictions on such revelations.

The case has been adjourned to August 20, 2025, for cross-examination. The accused remain in custody. 

This high-profile case underscores growing concerns over petty theft, illegal trading, and the proliferation of unregistered businesses in Freetown.