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The Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police in the Southern Region has confirmed the arrest of a herbalist accused of child cruelty and issuing death threats in Bo.
The suspect, identified as Sulaiman, popularly known as “Mustas,” is currently in police custody at the Bo East Police Station. This was disclosed by the FSU Southern Regional Coordinator, DASP Mohamed Kanneh, in response to concerns raised by civil society organizations (CSOs) and a social media report by the Executive Director of PEACE-SALONE, Aruna Kamara.
DASP Kanneh commended members of the public for their cooperation, noting that the arrest followed information shared through social media platforms. Stating that such collaboration between the police and the public is critical in combating crime and ensuring community safety.
The case was initially brought to light by the Secretary General of the Bo District Civil Society Forum and Chairman of the Bo District Human Rights Committee, Momoh Kamara. Mr. Kamara alleged that the herbalist had subjected three children, believed to be his biological children—to repeated acts of abuse in the Manjama community, including physical assault and the burning of their learning materials and clothing in public.
According to Momoh Kamara, when he attempted to engage the suspect to hear his side of the story, the herbalist allegedly threatened to kill him openly and boasted that he would face no consequences. The matter was subsequently reported to the police after the suspect allegedly failed to honor an invitation for questioning at the East End Police Station.
Medical reports have since been obtained for the affected children, with support from the Rainbow Center, while investigations remain ongoing.
Civil society organizations in Bo have expressed concern over the welfare of the children and have called for swift justice. The Gender and Child Protection Desk of PEACE-SALONE also urged the Sierra Leone Police and the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone to ensure that the suspect is held accountable, stressing that no one is above the law.
Efforts to obtain comments from the suspect have so far been unsuccessful. Police say investigations are continuing, and further updates are expected as the case develops.
