By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
Email: jnrfayiamoseray@gmail.com
A disturbing domestic incident shocked residents of Savage Street in Freetown on the evening of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, when a teenage girl reportedly set fire to a rented apartment following a dispute with her mother over the use of a mobile phone.
According to eyewitnesses and community sources, the incident was triggered by a disagreement between the girl and her mother over the girl’s excessive use of her phone, particularly for online chatting, allegedly with her boyfriend. The mother, frustrated by her daughter’s neglect of household chores and frequent late-night phone use, confiscated the phone and refused to return it.
Sources say the teenager, in a fit of anger and defiance, allegedly set the apartment ablaze when her mother refused to give back the device.
Though no injuries or fatalities were recorded, the fire completely destroyed the apartment, damaging properties estimated to be worth millions of Leones. The rented structure was engulfed in flames before help could arrive, leaving both the mother and neighbours devastated.
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have launched an investigation into the incident. The Adelaide Street Police Station is handling the case and has confirmed that both the teenager and the alleged boyfriend have been taken into custody for questioning. The mother is also assisting in the investigation.
Authorities are working to establish the full circumstances behind the girl’s drastic actions, as well as exploring potential criminal charges and determining who bears responsibility for the damages.
Residents of Savage Street remain stunned by the tragic turn of events, with many expressing concern over rising indiscipline among youth and the influence of social media on teenage behaviour.
“We’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s heartbreaking that something as small as a phone dispute could lead to such destruction.”
As investigations continue, authorities are also engaging with the property owner regarding possible reparations or support. The police have assured the public that justice will be served and that all parties involved will be treated fairly according to the law.
