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  • Thursday, 21 November 2024
Testimony of 16th Witness in Treason Trial Unveils Horrors of Attack

Testimony of 16th Witness in Treason Trial Unveils Horrors of Attack

In the ongoing treason trial involving Amadu Koita Makalo and eleven others, Major Dassama emerged as the sixteenth prosecution witness, offering a harrowing account of the events that transpired on November 26, 2023. As the trial convened before Justice Komba Kamanda of High Court No. 1, Major Dassama's testimony shed light on the tumultuous night that shook Freetown to its core.

 

Stationed at Cockeril Barracks, Major Dassama received intelligence regarding potential unrest in the capital city. Prompted by Major General Dauda Alpha, he swiftly mobilized staff officers, emphasizing the imperative of heightened security measures across various units.

 

The gravity of the situation became palpable when an attack unfolded at the fifth battalion at Wilberforce Military Barracks on the night of November 25. Major Dassama, acting under orders from Major General Alpha, led his men in response to the assailants' aggression.

 

The encounter took a dire turn when Major Dassama confronted a soldier clad in British camouflage, brandishing an RPG tube with an attached bomb. Despite attempts at communication, the soldier opened fire, inflicting grievous wounds on Major Dassama, including a fragment lodged in his stomach.

 

"Injuries sustained in the line of duty are a grim reality," Major Dassama somberly reflected, revealing the enduring physical toll of the attack. Despite his injuries, he bravely engaged the assailant before instructing his troops to retreat for medical aid.

 

Major Dassama's testimony provided crucial insight into the chaos and heroism that unfolded amidst the onslaught. His firsthand narrative offered a glimpse into the events leading to the tragic death of Lieutenant Samai at Murray Town Junction on that fateful night.

 

Under the intense scrutiny of state prosecutor Aruna Jalloh, Major Dassama recounted the ordeal with precision, underscoring the seriousness of the charges and the pursuit of justice in the face of treasonous acts.

 

As the courtroom atmosphere simmered with tension, Justice Komba Kamanda granted an adjournment, allowing both the prosecution and defense ample time to prepare for the next phase of proceedings scheduled for March 25, 2024. This trial represents a pivotal moment in the quest for accountability and truth amid the shadows of betrayal and violence.

 

Major Dassama's resilience in the face of adversity serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who safeguard their nation. His unwavering dedication to duty, despite enduring personal trauma, epitomizes the courage and resolve that characterize defenders of justice.

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