Woman, 56, In Court Over Assault Charge
A 56-year-old woman has appeared before Magistrate John Manso Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 to face charges over an alleged physical assault in central Freetown.
The defendant, Edwina Bockarie, stands accused of one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Sia Khan. The alleged incident occurred on Sunday, 18 July 2026, along ECOWAS Street. The charge has been brought under Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, though the allegations remain unproven in court.
Testifying as prosecution witness PW2, local businesswoman Isha Sesay told the court she witnessed the altercation while shopping for clothing in the PZ commercial area. Sesay testified that Bockarie intentionally blocked Khan's path as she attempted to walk past.
According to the witness testimony, Bockarie confronted Khan, accusing her of cutting her child's hair and stating the child had subsequently been admitted to the hospital. Sesay further alleged that an accomplice pulled off Khan’s wig before Bockarie struck the victim across the face.
Sesay described how Khan pleaded with her attacker, declaring she had no prior connection to Bockarie. The victim’s young son, who was present during the confrontation, reportedly wept as the incident unfolded.
The commotion eventually drew the attention of the local area chairman, who stepped in to disperse the gathering crowd. Following the intervention, Sesay accompanied Khan to the Central Police Station to file a formal report and provide statements to law enforcement.
Magistrate Bangura adjourned the proceedings to 3 November 2026, when the court is expected to hear further testimony and commence cross-examination of the witness.
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