By Prince J Musa in Kenema
Police attached to the Family Support Unit in Kenema division are currently investigating a woman Baindu Kowa of the Loko town section in Kenema for beating up brutally an 8-year-old girl believed to be her niece.
According to reports, the suspect who is a petty trader on the 12th January 2022 gave items to the girl to sell. The girl after hawking returned home and as instructed by Kowa handed over the money to the suspect’s son named Ishmael for safe-keeping.
Ishmael asked the girl to place the money on the bed which she did but it was reported that when Kowa came home her son told her that fifteen thousand Leones was missing from the money.
In a fit of rage, Kowa was said to have tied up the girl with nylon rope and went on to ruthlessly assault her. The rope tore into her flesh and as the beating continued, the girl’s scream got a commercial bike rider’s attention that rushed to the scene and took the girl from her. By that time her face was covered in blood.
The girl was then taken to Police and the matter was reported. She was given a medical form and then taken to the Government Hospital in Kenema for treatment. During the investigation, Police were able to discover that the girl lost her biological mother some time ago and the suspect Kowa is a sister to the girl’s father who lives in Bonthe district. It was further proven by the police that the girl has not been going to school but selling all day for her Aunt whose children attend school.
Meanwhile, neighbours came forward and confirmed that indeed the suspect has been maltreating the girl for minor issues. It’s alleged that she’s been saying to the girl: “I’m not the one responsible for your mother’s death’’.
Child advocacy organizations in Kenema including some human rights groups have shown interest in the matter. Kowa is in police custody as investigations continue. Sources say she could likely be charged to court this week.
A video of similar child abuse case also went viral towards the end of last week of a boy in Makeni who had several bruises on his skin which is alleged to have been sustained from a physical assault he got from his stepmother. Rights groups have called for an investigation into the matter for prosecution.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (17/01/22)
