In September 16, 2024, an alleged robbery incident occurred at Kerry Town, where bike riders and their passengers were violently attacked by a group of thugs led by Orga, the Headman of Kerry Town. This incident not only resulted in severe physical harm to the victims but also exposed significant lapses in the professionalism of the Waterloo Police Station’s response and investigative processes. The pattern of negligence raises urgent questions about the efficiency and integrity of local law enforcement.

THE INCIDENTAND ITS AFTERMATH
Witnesses reported a brutal attack in the heart of Kerry Town, Leaving one bike rider with serious injury’s, including a stab wound near his eye. The attackers fled with four motorbikes, cash, and personal belongings.
The immediate aftermath saw victims seeking medical attention and reporting the crime to the Waterloo Police Station. However, the response from law enforcement was distressingly slow.

Internal sources from the Waterloo Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) revealed a troubling delay: it took five days for the police to agree to visit the crime scene. Alarmingly, this agreement only occurred after victims were compelled to finance the police’s trip to Kerry Town. Such a delay not only raises serious questions about the priorities of the Waterloo Police but also reflects a disturbing lack of urgency in addressing violent crimes.

FINANCIAL BURDEN ON VICTIMS
The expectation that victims should finance police operations is fundamentally unethical and indicative of systemic issues within the police force. This practice not only undermines public trust in law enforcement but also deters victims from reporting crimes, as they fear further victimization. The financial burden placed on victims highlights a serious failure by the police to fulfill their mandate to protect and serve.

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DISCOVERY OFTHE STOLEN BIKES
On September 22, 2024, complainants discovered two of the stolen bikes at the police station on the same day the police were expected to conduct their investigation in Kerry Town. The circumstances surrounding this discovery are suspicious. Operation Officer Thomas Mansaray claimed the bikes were seized during a civilian-led operation related to a land dispute involving a former Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Patrick A. T. Johnson. This explanation raises critical questions about the integrity of the police investigation especially given that the alleged robbery and the land dispute are unrelated incidents. The broad daylight robbery took place in the center of Kerry Town, while the land dispute is currently before the High Court of Sierra Leone, indicating a disconnect in the police narrative:

CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND POLICE COLLUSION
The reluctance of Local Unit Commander Joe Kamanda Bongay to act decisively, even upon being informed of the stolen bikes’ presence, suggests possible collusion or favoritism towards the Headman of Kerry Town. The commander’s refusal to allow the investigation team to visit the crime scene, despite prior agreements, coupled with his admission of receiving calls from the Headman and AIG Johnson’s wife, raises serious ethical concerns overlooked. to a conflict of interest that cannot be SYSTEMIC ISSUES AND COMMUNITY TRUST.

The interplay between local power dynamics and police operations significantly affects the effectiveness of law enforcement. In this case, the close ties between the Headman of Kerry Town, the Operations Officer, and ne Local Unit Commander raise alarming concerns about bias in handling complaints against the Headman and his associates. Reports of previous dismissals of complaints against the Headman cultivate a perception of impunity that undermines community trust in law enforcement.

The incident at Kerry Town serves as a critical case study highlighting the broader systemic issues within the Waterloo Police Station. A lack of accountability, transparency, and responsiveness erodes public confidence in law enforcement. When victims feel their concerns are not taken seriously, it leads to under reporting of crimes and a pervasive sense of helplessness within the community.

CALL TO ACTION
The alleged robbery incident in Kerry Town calls for immediate reforms within the Waterloo Police Station. The significant lapses in the investigation, the unjust financial burden on victims, and the apparent collusion between police officials and local power figures underscore the urgent need for change. It is essential for police leadership to take swift and appropriate action to address these failures.
Moving forward, law enforcement agencies must priorities transparency, accountability, and a victim-centered approach to policing. Only through these measures can community trust be restored and victims receive the justice they rightfully deserve. The time for reform is now; the integrity of law enforcement and the safety of the community depend on it.