An Operational Support Division officer of the Sierra Leone Police, David French, was reportedly killed at Madonkeh, on the outskirts of Waterloo, on Sunday, August 23, 2026, prompting a major security operation and the arrest of more than 20 suspects, including two serving military personnel.
According to information attributed to the OSD Media Team, the deceased officer had been deployed to provide security at a parcel of land placed under a court injunction when he was allegedly attacked by a group of suspected gang members.
Preliminary reports indicate that the officer was overpowered and disarmed before being brutally attacked with machetes. He reportedly died from injuries sustained during the assault.
Following information about the incident, a Strike Force team from OSD Headquarters, led by Commissioner of Police Alhaji Ibrahim Mohamed Sama, popularly known as Delta-1, was deployed to the area.
The team conducted the operation alongside OSD personnel from the Waterloo Police Division, led by Officer Commanding OSD, Inspector Idrissa Koroma.
During the security operation, two serving personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces were reportedly arrested. One of the soldiers was allegedly found in possession of the deceased police officer’s loaded AK-47 rifle.
Reports further stated that the arrests followed an exchange of gunfire during the operation. A team of RSLAF personnel, reportedly led by Colonel Robin, subsequently arrived at the scene.
The two military personnel and more than 20 other individuals arrested during the operation are currently in police custody, according to the available information. Investigators are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death and determine the individual roles allegedly played by those detained.
Police are also reportedly searching for additional suspects believed to have been connected to the fatal attack.
The involvement of serving military personnel remains an allegation subject to investigation. No court has determined the guilt of any of the people arrested and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The incident has raised serious concerns over attacks on security personnel, the illegal possession of state-issued weapons and violence surrounding disputed land in Waterloo and neighbouring communities.
Authorities are expected to provide further information after completing preliminary investigations, including the identity of the deceased officer, the precise number of suspects detained and the offences they may face.
The killing has also renewed calls for stronger cooperation between the Sierra Leone Police and the RSLAF to ensure a transparent investigation and bring everyone responsible for the officer’s death to justice.
