By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a preliminary report on the violent protest that took place on the 10th August 2022, released by the Media and Public Relations Department of the Sierra Leone Police Force, dated the 11th August 2022, it was stated that following violent protests and demonstrations in parts of the Western Area (Rural and Urban), North-East and North West Regions on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, the Media and Public Relations Department of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is taking the pains to release a preliminary report of available records, in respect of fatalities and injuries sustained by personnel and also Government and police property destroyed during the violent protests and demonstrations.
The Police said with regards the Freetown East Region the following personnel suffered injuries and one was fatally injured by irate youths:
(1) PC 19061 Momoh Kallon of Harbor Division. He suffered gunshot wounds; S/Major 11890 Ibrahim Jalloh attached to the Harbour Division sustained bullet wounds on his stomach whilst escorting PC Kallon;
Sgt. Desmond Hanciles aka Pastor who was attached to the OSD Headquarters was fatally injured at Rokupa by irate youths.
In relation to Police Stations and Post vandalized or completely burnt down at the Kissy Division the Kissy Market Police Post on Old Road under the Kissy Division was vandalized, Approved School Police Post was completely vandalized, Congo Water Police Post – vandalized and the Wellington Police Post – vandalized.
It was also stated that the PWD Police Post was burnt down, Bassa Town Police Post – burnt down, Corner kick 55 Police Post – vandalized, Lumpa Police Post – burnt down, Tombo Junction Police Post – vandalized, 2 Govt. Buses burnt down at Waterloo, NaCSA’s Office and Warehouse burnt down and the Ministry of the Lands office at Waterloo was also burnt down.
According to the Police, a total of 97 suspected demonstrators were arrested. It also stated that two personnel were killed in Kamakwie, namely: Supt. Osman Fofana (Support Officer) and one Sgt. 7389 Munda Turay (OSD)and One (1) PC 14625 Abu Barkar Turay in Makeni.
With regards the damage and destruction of property in Kamakwie the Police Station and the barracks were burnt down as well as private property belonging to Police Officers.
Within the Magburaka Division, 2 male suspects and one a female were arrested.
In the North West Region of Lungi Town Sixteen (16) suspects were arrested. Two Police Officers were injured and a motorbike belonging to a Police Officer was burnt down.
In its summary of facts, the Sierra Leone Police stated that in total 4 Police Officers were killed nationwide and 4 Police Officers were injured nationwide.
113 suspects were arrested for both North-West and North-East regions as of now with scores of public and private property destroyed
The Sierra Leone Police maintained that the Inspector General, Executive Management Board members and the rank and file of the SLP wish to extend heartfelt condolences to all the families who lost their relatives/loved ones (Police Officers) whilst in the discharge of their lawful duties to the State.
It underscored that they were killed in the service of humanity and in pursuit of the stability of the State maintaining that the savagery meted on their colleagues is indeed painful!
“We therefore will continue to mourn their painful deaths and will always remember them in our prayers,” it was also stated praying that the good Lord/Allah forgive their sins and grant all of them eternal rest.
The Sierra Leone Police concluded by informing the public that the Management of the Sierra Leone Police will continue to update them on developments, as and when they are available.
