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Members of the Sierra Leone Traders Union expressed their anger and frustration on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Pujehun Police Station, demanding immediate action from the local unit commander regarding the alarming rise in thefts targeting business owners in the township.
The visit was led by District Chairman Sheku Soko Tarawally, who highlighted the growing insecurity in the area, stating that over nine thefts had occurred in close proximity to the police station recently.
Tarawally criticized the police for their perceived negligence, insisting that their primary mandate is to protect lives and property—a responsibility he feels is not being fulfilled.
“We are losing confidence in the police force. Our lives and businesses are no longer safe,” Tarawally proclaimed during the demonstration.
He further alleged that some police officers might be conniving with criminals, exacerbating the situation for ordinary citizens who are left feeling vulnerable, especially at night.
Adding to the concerns, Ibrahim Boguwa Swaray, Chairman of the Civil Society Movement in Pujehun, echoed the traders’ sentiments, expressing disappointment in the police’s inability to protect the community.
Swaray pointed out that the thefts occurred alarmingly close to the police station and called for immediate intervention from higher authorities within the security apparatus.
“We urge the local unit commander to wake up from his slumber; much more needs to be done in terms of policing our district,” he urged. Swaray also proposed that community stakeholders establish a neighborhood watch to compensate for the limited police presence, advocating for increased collaboration between local citizens and law enforcement.
In a show of solidarity, he appealed to Lieutenant Colonel Kuyeteh, the Battalion Commander of the 14th Infantry, to assist police efforts, especially during nighttime patrols, as residents now find themselves sleeping with one eye open due to safety concerns.
The community’s grievances extend to a plea for logistical support for the police, including vehicles and motorcycles, to enhance their operational capabilities in combating crime effectively.
Responding to the outcry, Superintendent Rashid Koroma, the local unit commander, apologized to the traders for the distressing incidents. He emphasized that the police are making concerted efforts to combat the rising crime rate but are hindered by a lack of community support and resources.
“We have held several meetings with stakeholders and community members to encourage them to share information,” he said. “However, many are afraid to approach us.”
Superintendent Koroma acknowledged the challenges faced by the police force, including personnel shortages, but assured the community that investigations into the recent thefts would be conducted promptly and that those responsible would face justice.
He called for community cooperation, asserting that with collaborative efforts, the situation could improve significantly.
Thanks very much for your writeup Sierraloaded,your informant or if you were part of the meeting failed to also explain to the general public that the police officers at Pujehun have made several arrests in respect of the said thefts. Also,the police have retrieved many of the stolen items and the alleged suspects and exhibits are awaiting court proceedings as they will be charged to court soon.Why do people hates police so much that they don’t even have time to say little about any good job done by them except the negative aspects, is really pathetic. We are humans and are liable to mistakes, we faced many challenges, our strength is small,infrastructure wise we are lacked, etc but you people don’t talk about all these things except talking about the odd thins.The thieves and criminals are living within the community and some knows the criminals but afraid of giving information to the police. We are not everywhere only the community will provide information to the police but don’t do it.