Chief Justice Opens Sexual Offences Model Court in Bo District

The Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Honorable Justice Komba Kamanda has officially opened the Sexual Offences Model Court in the district headquarters town of Bo, the first in the Southern region of the country.

According to the resident High Court Judge in Bo District and Chairman for the occasion, Hon. Justice Francis Banks-Kamara, the UNICEF-sponsored project is aimed at providing an enabling environment where young victims and vulnerable witnesses can go through the judicial process without losing their dignity and self-esteem.

Speaking at the ceremony, Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay said the Judiciary as an organ of government is highly committed to its purpose of creation, noting that the Judiciary cannot achieve its mandate without the support of development partners.

He lauded UNICEF for what he described as timely support which he said the Chief Justice is determined to replicate in other major towns like Makeni, Kono, Kambia, and Kenema.

In his keynote address, the Chief Justice said the opening of the first such court in the southern region town of Bo and the third in the country is a testament to the fact that his institution is highly committed to making justice accessible to all.

“This is a landmark event in our criminal justice system, and I am certain that the structure will address our historical challenges of adopting a victim-friendly approach in dealing with sexual offense matters in this part of the country,” the Chief Justice said, adding that he will do everything within his power to ensure that the criminal justice system is strengthened.

He maintained that the leadership of the Judiciary has developed guidelines in handling vulnerable witnesses and victims in sexual offenses which he said will ensure that judicial staff are further equipped in handling sexual offences matters.

He encouraged the residents and stakeholders of the district to handle the building with care and to be supportive of the judicial process.

Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Justice, State Counsel for the Southern Region Augustin Sheku said the essence of the gathering is not only limited to the opening of the court but also to ensure that the rights of children are preserved.

Describing Bo as the lead city when it comes to sexual offenses matters, he said the court will not only protect victims’ rights and accord accused persons fair trial but will also ensure the cases are expedited.

Speaking on behalf of Paramount Chiefs in Bo District, Paramount Chief Joe kangbai Marcakarvoray of Tikonko Chiefdom said the setting up of the court in Bo City is a strategic infrastructure for the justice sector as a whole.

Citing the lack of the court as one of the major impediments to expeditious trial on matters relating to sexual penetration, he commended the Hon. Chief Justice for his timely intervention which will ensure the protection of vulnerable witnesses.