The Chinese businessman, Zhou Wenjie of Pioneer Power Engineering Company Sierra Leone Limited, has been acquitted and discharged by Magistrate Mamakor Kallon of Court No. 3 in Freetown today, 6th February, 2026 of the offence of wounding contrary to the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.
According to the judgment, it is a strict common law principle that in a criminal proceedings the burden to prove the guilt of the defendant is squarely on the prosecution except in the defence put up the defence of insanity. Therefore, the highly esteemed Magistrate Mamakor Kallon held that since the prosecution had failed to prove its case, the defendant should benefit from such failure.
In a well-attended court, she ordered the acquittal and discharge of the defendant, Zhou Wenjie. Jubilantly, Mr. Wenjie said, “Justice is served, and I have great trust and respect for the Judiciary of Sierra Leone”. The Complainant, a former driver of the company, Musa Babah Conteh, left in a hurry with his lawyers, who have been associated with the prosecution. Mr. Wenjie was filled with tears of joy when he embraced and thanked his brilliant lawyer Mr. Morlai Conteh of Eddie Turay and Associates, Sanda Chambers.
The judiciary of Sierra Leone is gradually reclaiming its long-lost glory under the indefatigable and industrious leader, the Chief Justice Komba Kamanda.
This judgment has the propensity to attract more Chinese investors to Sierra Leone. The bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and China is historic, and very cordial.