A native doctor at Batiama community in Bo City has allegedly raped a 30-year-old woman who was receiving treatment from him.

In the Batiama community of Bo City, a native doctor is accused of allegedly raping a 30-year-old woman who had been seeking treatment from him.

The incident, which took place on Saturday, August 12th, 2023, has sent shockwaves through the typically tranquil community

According to Police Constable (PC) 19138 Mansaray Osman Alhaji, the Regional Media Officer of the Sierra Leone Police South, the victim, whose identity has been protected, bravely reached out to the Bo East Police Station to lodge a formal complaint against her alleged assailant.

In a swift response to the report, law enforcement authorities, sprang into action, apprehending the suspect identified as Josua Sesay, also known as Daddy. The 35-year-old suspect resides in the same community as the victim.

According to the victim’s account, she had been seeking treatment from the suspect, a native doctor, before the unfortunate incident. A few days prior, she had noticed a blockage that raised concerns. On that fateful day, the suspect reportedly entered her bedroom and allegedly attempted to sexually assault her using force.

Detective Inspector Rashid Kanneh, the Line Manager of the Family Support Unit (FSU), promptly initiated a case and inquiry against the suspect following the victim’s complaint. A police medical request form was issued to the victim to address her injuries and the generalized body pain she sustained during the ordeal.

In his statement to the authorities, the suspect denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he had a longstanding reputation as an herbalist and that he had merely been providing assistance to the victim. He stated that they had negotiated an agreement for his services, which included reducing his fee from le 300 to le 200, along with specified items, which include satin, rice, fowl, wrappers, and palm oil.

The alleged assailant remains in custody as investigations into the incident continue.

Meanwhile, the victim is receiving medical care and treatment at the Rainbow Health Centre, located at the Bo Government Hospital.

The local community has been left shocked by the incident, and the case has underscored the importance of addressing issues of gender-based violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.