By: Problyn J. Alpha
The Media Officer at the Motema Police Divisional Headquarters in Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District, Thompson Peter Ndapi, has confirmed the discovery of the lifeless body of a 55-year-old gold mineral dealer, Abdulrahman Kuyateh, in a bush area known as the Captured Life Old Mining Site in Kumao Town.
According to Mr. Ndapi, the body was found at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The deceased was discovered lying face-up with visible maggot infestation, as well as apparent wounds to his left eye and right arm. He was dressed in faded jeans trousers and a pair of black crepe shoes, found near a black cloth and a wristwatch stained with drops of blood.
Ndapi further disclosed that Inspector Khanu, Officer Commanding at the Kunao Police Post, promptly informed Detective Deputy Superintendent of Police (D/DSP) Songu Sylvanus, the Divisional Crime Officer at Motema. In response, D/DSP Sylvanus swiftly mobilized a team of officers and proceeded to the scene.
Upon arrival, the police team thoroughly photographed the crime scene for evidential purposes. Preliminary investigations suggest that the deceased, who was previously residing in Kumao Town and actively involved in gold trading at the One Bone Mining Site, may have died under suspicious circumstances. The cause of death is yet to be officially determined pending a postmortem examination.
The remains have since been transported to the Koidu Government Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Police have already obtained statements from two of the deceased’s associates, Mohamed Thorley and Alpha Tarawalie. According to the statements, a few days prior to the discovery, the deceased received a phone call while at the One Bone Mining Site. He reportedly told Thorley that he was going to meet a customer related to his gold business. He then left the site and never returned.
Thorley added that after several hours of failed attempts to reach the deceased by phone despite it ringing concerns grew, which ultimately led to the tragic discovery of his body in the bush.
The Sierra Leone Police have launched a full investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding Abdulrahman Kuyateh’s death, which is being treated as a suspected murder