By: Lebah Samorie Gibateh
Records at Mongo Bendugu Police Division in Falaba District revealed an increase in cases of rape and other forms of gender-based violence against women and children across the newly created district. Victims are from poor communities with very little or no access to medical facilities.
Chief Superintendent of Police Edward Yamba who recently took over that division as Local Unit Commander cited the challenges faced including few female personnel in his division and would require more officers in general so that police operations are not undermined especially in dealing with cases of sexual and gender-based violence in the district.
The police boss noted his cooperation with the local community, describing it as crucial to the enhancement of his operations in the district. He expressed gratitude for the intelligence provided by the local people on incidences of rape, sexual penetration and other forms of gender-based violence that occur in far and hard-to-reach communities in the district.
Amidst the acute mobility and other logistical challenges they face, CSP Yamba confirmed to Politico that investigations have been completed on matters of five sexual gender-based violence cases and charges brought against people who are now before a magistrate in Kabala. He said a few more cases are being investigated.
CSP Yamba urged the State Counsel in the judicial district to speedily review case files sent to them by his division because delays in reaching conclusions on those matters have resulted in suspects spending long periods in their custody, increasing the challenges of providing food and accommodation.
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