S. African in court for false Sierra Leone coup plot

Accra, July 10, GNA - A 30 year-old South African who allegedly demanded 15,000 dollars from the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone in Ghana under the pretext of providing him with information on a coup plot appeared before a Circuit Court on Friday charged with fraud.

David Toulle, charged with two counts of conspiracy to defraud and defrauding by false pretence, pleaded guilty with explanation.

Due to security reasons, Doulle's explanation was heard indoors.

The court which wondered how Toulle entered the country remanded him in custody to reappear on July 15.

Police Inspector Stephen Baidoo told the court that on July 2, this year Toulle went to the High Commission of Sierra Leone with the information that the former RUF rebels based in Cote d'Ivoire were proceeding to Sierra Leone to overthrow the government.

He therefore demanded 15,000 dollars before providing the code numbers to enable the High Commissioner to communicate with the leader of the group.

The High commissioner demanded proof but he could not provide any.

The prosecution said Toulle was therefore handed over to the Bureau of National Investigations.

GNA