The Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kabala Police Division, ACP Edison Vandi, has defended the legality of the Malaforia Checkpoint, insisting that although it is not a gazetted checkpoint, it was lawfully established through security sector approvals and remains a legitimate operational post.

His response follows allegations that police officers were operating an illegal checkpoint at Malaforia after a confrontation involving traffic officers, a motorcycle rider and a passenger, who claimed the checkpoint was unauthorised.

Speaking on the matter, ACP Vandi told Sierraloaded that the location was identified as an operational action point and that approval to establish the checkpoint was obtained from the then Regional Commander, former Assistant Inspector General of Police Manfred Williams, who authorised the initiative while directing officers to carry out their duties professionally.

He told this reporter that efforts were made to engage the Paramount Chief before the checkpoint was mounted in January 2025, but the chief was unavailable. According to him, the Town Chief was instead briefed on the operation, photographs were taken to document the process, and the checkpoint was subsequently established with the support of Traffic Wardens and the Chiefdom Police.

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ACP Vandi rejected claims that the recent arrest of a motorcycle rider at the checkpoint was unlawful, stating that the rider was apprehended because he was operating an unregistered motorcycle. He added that the complainant, identified as Sulaiman, was not the rider but a passenger on the motorcycle at the time of the incident.

According to the police commander, the operation targeting unregistered motorcycles was not carried out without prior consultation. He said police met with key stakeholders, including media representatives, the bike riders’ union and the drivers’ union, several days before the enforcement exercise to notify them of the planned operation. He explained that the campaign was aimed at increasing motorcycle registration and enforcing compliance, while vehicle inspections were not part of the exercise.

ACP Vandi further disclosed to Sierraloaded that the Sierra Leone Police operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Traffic Wardens, allowing officers to issue official tickets for specified traffic offences during joint operations. He said all monies collected through the process are properly recorded, kept until the end of each month and subsequently remitted to the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), with records maintained for accountability.

Addressing the specific case involving the arrested rider, ACP Vandi said the suspect was taken to the police station, issued a ticket for operating an unregistered motorcycle and paid a fine of Le200. He said the rider signed for the payment but left without collecting the ticket, claiming he was in a hurry and would return later. According to him, both the unused ticket and the signed payment record remain in police custody.

He described subsequent reports alleging that the checkpoint was illegal as “malicious,” maintaining that the enforcement action followed due process.

On the legal status of the checkpoint, ACP Vandi acknowledged that the Malaforia Checkpoint is not gazetted but argued that this does not make it unlawful. He said the checkpoint was established following consultations with district stakeholders and that the decision was endorsed by the District Security Committee (DISEC) before being forwarded to the Office of National Security (ONS), which, according to him, approved its establishment.

He added that the checkpoint was considered necessary because it is situated along a route leading to the international border and has since contributed to the interception of illegal drugs and other prohibited items.

However, the police commander’s explanation comes against the backdrop of an earlier nationwide directive by the Sierra Leone Police to streamline security checkpoints across the country.

In a public notice issued on Friday, January 17, 2025, the Sierra Leone Police announced a reduction in the number of checkpoints operating in districts, towns and cities nationwide. The notice included a list of approved checkpoints for public information, identifying the Makakura Checkpoint as the only approved checkpoint within the Kabala Police Division.

ACP Vandi did not address the apparent discrepancy between the Malaforia Checkpoint’s operational status and the January 2025 list of approved checkpoints published by the Sierra Leone Police. Consequently, it remains unclear whether the checkpoint operates under a separate security authorisation or outside the scope of the approved checkpoint list.