April 19, 2021
By Ilyasa Baa
The alleged killing of Alpha Kargbo by OSD officer on the 15th April, 2021 at Hastings, has left many residents wondering over their security and the Headman of the village is calling for full scale investigation and the perpetrators brought to book.
The headman, Abdul Sesay explained that the OSD who pulled the trigger was acting on the instruction of one Inspector Rebecca Douglas whom he described as a notorious land grabber. He said the family of the deceased and the Inspector were in court over a parcel of land situated in the village. He said both parties met on the land and scuffle ensured as the officers were trying to arrest the uncle of the deceased.
He said the deceased stood his ground that his uncle would not be taken way in the police vehicle used for that operation. To the amazement of people, he said, the armed OSD officer dropped aka Wandada down with blood oozing from his wound. According to the Headman, Alpha succumbed to his wound and later died at the Choithram Hospital the same day at night.
Panic gripped the village disrupting schools and businesses. But according to the Headman, normalcy has returned to the village. He said Hastings is a peaceful village which provided land for the airport and the Police Training School where officers are trained for recruitment into the force. He made a clarion call on the Human Right Commission and the Law Officers Department to expedite the investigation.
Police Spokesman, Superintendent Brima Kamara has confirmed that thirteen suspects are in their custody in relation to the issue. He said police is investigating the killing as well as the arson that took place during the riot. “The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty before a court of law” Police Media 1 said.