A 23-year-old motorcyclist from Gbartala Town in Bong County, has been forwarded to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga.
Matthew Kollie is to stand trial on charges of criminal attempt to commit murder, and armed robbery. Kollie arrest followed a reported ‘violent attack’ on a fellow cyclist.
Kollie is said to have attacked fellow motorcyclist, Vesellee Kollie, in what investigators believe was an attempt to steal his motorcycle.
Vesselle told police that the incident occurred on Monday, June 1, at approximately 12 noon. Vesellee said Kollie approached him, and requested transportation for four tins of oil from Gbanala Town, located along the road behind Gbartala in Yellequelleh District.
It all started as a routine transportation arrangement, but later turned into a brutal confrontation.
Vesellee told investigators that before reaching their destination, Kollie suddenly struck him from behind and later produced a knife.
A struggle reportedly ensued as the two men fought over control of the weapon.
The victim sustained multiple injuries during the confrontation, including cuts to his foot, back and other parts of his body.
Vasselle further stated that he eventually lost consciousness as a result of the attack.
Upon regaining consciousness, Vesellee claimed, he found himself lying inside a pit, wounded and abandoned. The attack sent shockwaves through the local motorcyclist community, where both men are known operators at the Gbartala parking station.
Fellow riders reportedly launched a search, and later apprehended the suspect before turning him over to authorities. During police questioning, Matthew Kollie reportedly admitted attempting to attack the victim to take possession of the motorcycle.
However, he claimed that his actions were influenced by an “unknown substance” friends (not named) gave to him a day before the incident.
Law enforcement authorities say, the claim did not affect the outcome of their investigation.
Bong County Crime Services Division Commander, James Q. Kato, confirmed that investigators completed their probe, and found sufficient evidence to charge the suspect with criminal attempt to commit murder and armed robbery.
The case has attracted public attention in Yellequelleh District as residents await the court’s determination.