By Saio Marrah
One Santigie Conteh at the Garangawa village in Ngowahun Chiefdom, Bombali District, has been reported dead after a shooting incident allegedly by the Sierra Leone Police.
The incident according to the Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Mark Mahmoud Kalokoh representing constituency 032 in Bombali District happened after the villagers expressed concerns about the manner of arrest of one Abass Conteh, by the police.
The MP was reporting the alleged killing to the house of parliament on Tuesday 26th July 2022, while making use of their Standing Order (SO) 23, a provision for the legislators to make a personal explanation on an issue that is affecting them or their constituents.
A letter seen by Politico, from the parliamentarian to the Chairman of the Police Complaint Board, copied the Office of National Security and the Inspector General of Police, dated 25th July this year reads: “The police, instead of using other alternative means in assisting them to carry out the arrest of the suspect, allegedly used blatant disproportionate lethal force by discharging live rounds which resulted in the death of one Santigie Conteh.”
The lawmaker said the letter was for the appropriate authorities to ensure justice prevailed for the deceased.
Kalokoh noted that “this has become very regular and constant for us in Bombali. At any time you will hear the police using disproportionate use of force that will end in loss of lives.”
For this, the MP quoted section 5 (2b) of the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone, which reads:
“The security, peace, and welfare of the people of Sierra Leone shall be the primary purpose and responsibility of Government, and to this end, it shall be the duty of the Armed Forces, the Police, Public Officers, and all security agents to protect and safeguard the people of Sierra Leone.”
He said contrary to the provision in the constitution, the police are using their guns against defenceless civilians.
Kalokoh then called on the speaker to make a follow-up on the issue.
However, a press release issued by the Sierra Leone Police, dated 24th July this year admitted that “there was a reported case of the fatal shooting of one Santigie Conteh, allegedly by the Police. Two Police Officers have been taken into custody for investigation.”
The police release also noted that it all resulted from an arrest of Abass Conteh, who was said to be a suspect in the kidnapping of a relative of Alimu Bah, who reported to the Police of larceny of cattle, and cruelty to animals at “Ngarankaran” in “Gowan Chiefdom,” that is being handled by the police in Makeni and Panlap.
The press release also stated the arrest of suspects for the said larceny and charged them in court, but that they were released on bail. This later culminated into reported cases of arson, kidnappings, and threats directed toward Bah and his family.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (27/07/22)
