On Monday, June 24, 2024, the Freetown court held a hearing regarding the tragic deaths of two young Sierra Leonean girls, Kadiatu Bangura, aged 17, and Salamatu Jalloh, aged 13.

The girls allegedly died following female genital mutilation (FGM) procedures performed in the Bondo Bush in Kambia. Among the witnesses was Dr. Samba Jalloh, the acting Medical Superintendent of the Kambia Government Hospital.

Dr. Jalloh detailed his daily responsibilities, which include managing both administrative duties and clinical patients. Presenting his medical findings, he revealed that the girls’ deaths were directly linked to the FGM procedures they underwent. According to his testimony before Magistrate Samia, Dr. Jalloh received a request from the Sierra Leone Police to conduct medical examinations on the deceased.

Dr. Jalloh’s initial on-site autopsy and subsequent medical examination confirmed that the deaths resulted from clitoridectomy, the removal of the clitoris. He explained that the medical examination pointed to severe hemorrhage and infection from the procedure, leading to anemia and ultimately causing the deaths of Kadiatu Bangura and Salamatu Jalloh.

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Furthermore, Dr. Jalloh mentioned that verbal autopsy reports suggested additional health complications: malaria for Kadiatu Bangura and yellow fever for Salamatu Jalloh. However, he noted that no laboratory tests were conducted to confirm these conditions.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Lawyer Bayraytay objected to the submission of the medical report, arguing that it was not the original document. He requested an adjournment to thoroughly review the report. Despite this, Magistrate Samia overruled the objection, emphasizing the need to continue the proceedings, given that the case has been pending since March of this year.

Following legal discussions, the court adjourned the matter to Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in the interest of justice.