BY PROBLYN J ALPHA
In a tragic incident that has left the community of Kangama Gorama Chiefdom in shock, a community teacher at the Methodist Church primary school, Tamba Theophilous James, was allegedly discovered dead under suspicious circumstances. The incident occurred on January 29th, 2024, in Turbu village within the aforementioned chiefdom, located in the Kono District of Sierra Leone.
According to Mary James, the daughter of the deceased, Tamba Theophilous James left home on January 28th, 2024, for his usual routine but did not return home after school. Concerned by his absence, Mary raised an alarm about her father’s sudden disappearance that night. Subsequently, a search was organized in the village, leading to the discovery of Tamba Theophilous James’ remains in a nearby bush the following morning. His body exhibited signs of trauma, with blood oozing from his ears and nose, along with apparent knife cuts on various parts.
Despite the family’s insistence on foul play, the local authorities, including the chiefdom authorities and the police, proceeded with the burial of the deceased without addressing the family’s concerns. Family members expressed their dissatisfaction, asserting that their grievances were not heard or considered during the burial proceedings.
Upon the discovery of Tamba Theophilous James’ body, the matter was officially reported to the Kangama Gorama chiefdom police post for investigation. However, according to the family, the police concluded that the deceased died a natural death, based on the assessment of a health community worker. This decision was made despite the family’s objections and their insistence on a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tamba Theophilous James’ death.
In response to inquiries about the case, Prince Bernard Jegboi Kamara, the spokesman for the Sierra Leone police Eastern region, stated that he was not initially aware of the matter but promised to investigate further by consulting his colleagues.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the remains of Tamba Theophilous James have been laid to rest. However, the family’s quest for justice and clarity regarding the circumstances of his death remains unresolved, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into this tragic event.
