Defence opens in alleged theft case

In his defence, the accused told the court he lives at Nemakunku village in Kombo North, West Coast Region.

He told the court he knew the complainant but did not know where the complainant resides, denying stealing from anyone.

“I am not known for stealing,” he said. “After beating me seriously, the complainant told the gathering that he saw me in his compound at night loitering and looking at places, which was not true.”

The accused narrated further: “I was beaten and taken to the police station. Nothing was found on me, but the complainant told the police that I am a thief, and I went to their compound purposely to steal.

“I was detained for some time and granted police bail. I was later told that the matter was going to court.”

No items were found on him, the accused told the court, saying that when they chased him, he was apprehended and beaten before taken to the police station where they both gave statements to the police.

He added that even in that statement, he denied stealing from the complainant’s house.

The witness told the court that he is a carpenter by profession, but sometimes he would sit for a while without having a contract.

He also said the complainant just saw him, raised suspicion and attacked him, adding that the people also came out and supported the complainant.

“I was not even asked as to what happened and I was not given chance to explain,” he said, adding: “I was asked to produce what I stole, and I told them I stole nothing.”

The case continues.