By Alieu Sahid Tunkara
Two weeks after heavily armed robbers attacked the home of journalist Joshua Nicol the police have so far made no arrests, despite what many are vital clues left behind by the thieves.
One of the robbers dropped his mobile phone as he fled. The phone, which contained information about their accomplices, had been with the police since the day of the incident.
In a brief interview yesterday, Nicol told Politico that he was in constant touch with the anti-robbery unit of the Sierra Leone Police “but I am somehow disappointed that despite all the assurances the police have still not made any arrest.”
He expressed fears that “the longer it takes, the more difficult it will be for these criminals to be brought before a court.”
Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police, James Tarawallie, confirmed that they “retrieved a mobile phone from the scene which is now with us.” He said “a team of undercover operatives are in action to trap the suspects in the robbery matter,” adding that “the complainant will soon be invited to identify some of his properties if all goes well.”
At about 2:30 on the morning of Wednesday 29 October, three armed robbers smashed their way through a window, into Mr. Nicol’s house at Regent Road, Wilberforce. They carted away expensive electronics, including Plasma TV and DVD players. They also carried away a generator and cash.
The armed robbers stabbed Nicol in several parts of his body before the fled. His wounds are still being treated while he receives counselling to overcome the trauma caused by the event.
There’s been a rise in armed robberies recently in Freetown. Other victims include a former State House Chief of Staff and a former minister of health.
© Politico 13/11/14
