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Nearly 2,000 cases of sexual penetration involving children were reported in Sierra Leone in 2025, according to the latest annual crime statistics released by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), highlighting a troubling rise in offences against vulnerable minors across the country.
The report shows that the police recorded a total of 34,066 criminal and road traffic offences nationwide during the year. Crime remained heavily concentrated in urban and semi-urban areas, with the Western Area accounting for about 59 percent of all reported cases.
Within the Western Area, the Freetown East Region recorded 11,603 offences, while the Freetown West Region reported 8,487 cases, making them the most affected policing regions in the country.
Offences against women and children formed the largest share of reported crimes. The police report states that 15,188 cases fell under this category, representing 44.6 percent of all offences recorded nationwide.
A major concern in the report is the rising number of child sexual abuse cases investigated by the police’s Family Support Unit (FSU). The unit recorded 1,946 cases of sexual penetration of a child in 2025, an increase from 1,520 cases reported in 2024.
According to the SLP statistics, out of the 1,946 cases investigated by the Family Support Unit, 133 were charged to court while 138 were referred to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. Five cases were closed and 83 were kept in view, while the majority-1,587 cases-remain under investigation.
Police say the high number of ongoing investigations reflects the sensitive and complex nature of sexual offences involving children.
Beyond child sexual abuse, the report also highlighted increases in other crimes in 2025. Domestic violence cases rose significantly, with police recording 12,301 incidents. Assault cases stood at 2,133, while robbery cases totaled 151.
Drug-related offences were also documented during the year, with 448 cases recorded. Police noted that unlawful possession of Kush was the most commonly reported drug offence. The SLP further reported 2,071 road traffic accidents across the country during the same period.
In terms of case processing, the police said 6,314 of the 34,066 reported offences were forwarded to Magistrate Courts, while 614 cases were committed to the High Court. A total of 389 cases resulted in convictions, leading to penalties that included fines and imprisonment.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Brima Kamara said the police remain committed to professionalism and transparency in addressing crime across the country.
He stated that the institution is continuing its transition from a traditional policing force to a service-oriented model aimed at strengthening accountability and improving public trust.
The 2025 crime statistics report by the Sierra Leone Police provides a detailed overview of national crime trends and is expected to guide policing strategies and crime-prevention efforts across Sierra Leone.
