April 26, 2021
By Dadson A. Musa
A joint security operative of the Sierra Leone Police, soldiers and Office of National Security has paid a remorseful call on the bereaved family of the late Alpha Kargbo. The late Alpha Kargbo was shot and later died of wounds in a land dispute at Hastings community.
An altercation between the late man and police personnel led to his shooting. His death led to youths in the Hastings community going on the rampage in quest for revenge. But the security sector in show of humanity and also sensing the backlash from the ensuing death decided to calm nerves by making a swift move to the home of the family to apologize profusely. The Internal Affairs Minister, David Panda Noah was also in the company of the CDS, IG and Director of ONS.
The IG, Ambrose Sovula spoke passionately about the people of Hastings and reminded them that he is also part of Hastings community as he spent a very long time there as a junior police officer before rising to the post of commandant.
So ”this loss is my loss also,” he told the bereaved family adding: “few police personnel went out of there way and carried out an unprofessional act which we at the helm of affairs outrightly condemns.”
And therefore justice is going to be done he assured the family in particular and the community generally. There were also words of consolation from the Minister, Panda Noah, the CDS and head of ONS
After these words of consolation, a “kassankay” of Le. 5,000,000 (Five million leones) and two bags of rice were presented to the family which was received with thanks. On their part, the family represented by the sister of the deceased, Ramatu Kargbo said while they have accepted the apologies the authorities should also know that the late man left behind four kids and a wife. And because this was an unlawful killing the perpetrators must be brought to book, she demanded.
In a crowning statement from the network, youths in the Hastings community have been implored to show patience and restraint and not to take the law into their hands. The authorities have reassured that the matter will be speedily They have therefore assured speedy trial as justice delayed is justice denied.