By: Problyn J. Alpha
Members of the Sierra Leone Traders Union in Pujehun District staged a peaceful protest at the Pujehun Police Station, expressing dissatisfaction with what they described as reactive policing.
The protest, led by the union’s district chairman, Sheku Soko Tarawally, was aimed at urging the police to address the rising cases of theft targeting business owners in Pujehun town.
Chairman Tarawally highlighted the growing insecurity in the township, noting that over 15 theft cases had recently occurred near the police station. He criticized the police for neglecting their responsibility to protect lives and property, stating that such lapses have caused fear and frustration among residents.
“The spate of thefts close to the police station shows that security is ineffective. Lives and property in Pujehun town are not safe,” Tarawally remarked. He called on the police to thoroughly investigate the recent incidents and rebuild public confidence in their ability to provide security.
Civil society organizations in Pujehun District have also raised concerns. Ibrahim Boguwa Swaray, chairman of the district’s civil society groups, described the insecurity as a significant challenge to the business community with broader implications for the district and the country. He alleged that some police officers have close ties with known criminals, which has further eroded public trust.
Swaray noted that previous concerns raised with the police were often met with the explanation that some suspects had been released during a government amnesty program led by the Chief Minister last year.
In response, Inspector Frank Pessima, the Crime Officer at the Pujehun Police Station, assured the public that the Sierra Leone Police Force is committed to safeguarding lives and property despite ongoing challenges. “We have put mechanisms in place to enhance security, but criminals often remain two steps ahead,” Pessima admitted.
He urged residents, especially traders, to maintain trust in the police and assured them that efforts to address the insecurity would continue.
The protest highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to address the security concerns of Pujehun town residents, particularly the vulnerable business community.
