A man accused of breaking and entering the home of a woman and stealing a quantity of cash and items is now free after the complainant yesterday stunned a court by dropping the case. The charge read at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court stated that Osafo Swain, on July 29, broke and entered the home of Kasandi Leander and stole a television, a cellular phone, amongst other items, and cash, which amounted to $251,000 in total.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambajue told the court that on July 29, at 11:30pm, Leander secured her home and went to bed. She later woke up at around 3:30am and found her front door open and two of her louvre window panes removed. Upon searching her home, she noticed items missing. She reported the matter to the police and upon investigations, Swain was arrested.
Rambajue alleged that Swain admitted to stealing the items and had said he sold the stolen items to another man. Efforts to contact the buyer, identified only as “Jerry,” proved unsuccessful.
The prosecutor did not object to bail but suggested that substantial bail be given.
However, the case took an unexpected turn when Leander was summoned before the court. She appeared nervous and confused when Magistrate Fabayo Azore asked whether she would go ahead with the matter. After a brief consultation with her mother, Leander subsequently decided not to go ahead with the matter. Since none of her stolen items were recovered by the police, the decision to offer no evidence stunned the court. However, the charge was dismissed and Swain was freed.
