BY PROBLYN J ALPHA
The Chief Administrator of the Koidu New Sembehun City Council (KNSCC), Francis M. Tiffa, has raised alarm over an increase in theft and clandestine activities within the council. The announcement was made during the council’s ordinary monthly meeting held on June 13, 2024, at the council’s complex on Bona Street.
Tiffa disclosed that these criminal activities are often facilitated by some council workers. He criticized the performance of the security guards employed to safeguard the institution, accusing them of colluding with fraudulent employees to steal council property at night. The chief administrator emphasized that these incidents have significantly disrupted the council’s operations, resulting in excessive expenditure.
In response to the alarming situation, several councillors recommended the dismissal of all current security personnel implicated in aiding and abetting these thefts. Mayor Komba Matthew Sam expressed his disappointment over what he termed the “laissez-faire attitude” of some security staff. He stressed the necessity of reinforcing security measures with armed guards to deter criminal activities. Additionally, the mayor proposed salary deductions for council workers to compensate for any stolen items from their respective departments.
Contradicting these allegations, Tamba Augustine Mbayoh, Head of the Metropolitan Police of Koidu New Sembehun City Council, refuted claims of his officers’ involvement in any criminal activities. Mbayoh attributed the security lapses to understaffing and highlighted his repeated requests to the council administration for additional security personnel. He reiterated his call for enhanced security measures to ensure comprehensive protection of the council’s assets.
The meeting also addressed other pertinent issues, which will be covered in future reports.
