By: Hafsatu Z Bangura
The Sierra Leone Police on the 2nd September 2022 has held an emergency press conference with members of the fourth estate to update members of the public of the security preparedness of the Sierra Leone Police during the first phase of electoral process.
AIGBURTH Mohamed Brima Jah AIG Director of Operation and chairman of the press conference disclosed to press men that the first phase of the election process is the ongoing Voter Registration and the deployment of Police personnel is a step in the right direction.
He went on that the deployment of these police personnel is to give support to NEC officers and the NCRA in order to conduct their exercise in a safe and secured environment free from violence.
He said centres have been identified and are going to be covered by police officers and that the standing order of MAC-P will be in force and that security is not only limited in Freetown but cuts across the country.
Furthermore, he said that the registration will be non-violent, he also spoke about the community policing that have been engaging members of the community to desist from violence, hate speech and more.
He also urged people to fully exercise their rights as citizens by doing what’s right and channeling it to the right direction so as to maintain the peace that Sierra Leone has been known for far and wide.
AIG Aiah Edward Samadia, the Regional Commander Freetown east gave his own update, he said operational order policing of the Registration starting from the 3rd September 2022 have been dutifully followed and that before now they have been engaging on sensitization throughout communities to maintain peace and order during registration process.
Mr Samadia said on the 18th August 2022, the Waterloo division received information from a concerned citizen in the evening hours informing them of a 17 years old lady by the name of Memunatu Thoronka who gave birth, and immediately after delivery certain Sowei initiated the baby and the baby died.
He said the two Sowei are now in police custody helping with investigations of the said matter.
Talking about the mudslide and flooding at different communities and the dangers that occurred.
He said the collapse of the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church at no.16 Alusine Street Ojuku Junction killed a pastor named Samuel Monrovia and also at the East he said the collapse of a water bank resulted in the death of Alhaji Bangura.
Commissioner Victor M Williams Regional Commander Freetown West also gave his update on the flooding of his region.
He said on the 30th August 2022, at Sunny Side Beach Bar Aberdeen, Michel Jigba and William Coker was found with a firearm weapon of which he said injured Tinka Kanu and on the 28th August 2022 at Congo Cross Division Alhassan Bah was arrested in possession of properties of an American Bar.
He noted that the SLP will be in force to fully monitor the events of the Registration.
The APP Richard PG Roberts Head of CID gave his update on the August 10th Insurrection that ongoing Investigations are in effect and that the number has increased to 525, 99 who have been charged to court, 112 released by different divisions due to lack of evidence and flouting of curfew, 24 he said were taken to Juvenile and have been reunited again with their family.
Head of Community Relations Department CSP Edna Silver in her brief update spoke of the community sensitization that they have been engaging on to curtail the spread of violence and hate messages and to maintain the peace and security of all, as she said there is only one Sierra Leone and as such it is the duty of every Sierra Leonean to spread love and light and to live in harmony with one another.
From the Office of National Security the Deputy Director strategic communications and spokesperson said the 119 toll free line is open to report issues of violence in communities during this registration period and urged Sierra Leoneans to desist from any form of violence that will cause unrest to the lives of all.
