The Freetown City Council has expressed grave concern over recent incidents of grave desecration and theft of valuable items from burial sites within the city.

The council expressed its outrage at the “desecration of the peaceful rest of our departed loved ones” and vowed to take immediate action to prevent further occurrences.

In a statement released today, the council strongly condemned the perpetrators, urging them to “desist from these heinous crimes with immediate effect.” The statement emphasized the importance of allowing the deceased to “rest in peace.”

To address these alarming incidents, the Freetown City Council has announced new regulations effective immediately.

Cemetery Closures: Effective immediately, access to all cemeteries in Freetown will be restricted after 7:00 PM daily. No one will be allowed to enter or conduct any activity within the cemeteries after this time.

Increased Police Presence: The council is collaborating with the Inspector General of Police to deploy armed security personnel at all cemeteries.

Punitive Measures: The council will implement punitive measures against individuals caught violating the new regulations.

The Freetown City Council is also urging residents living near cemeteries to be extra vigilant, especially during night hours. They are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Sierra Leone Police authorities for immediate intervention.

The council says it is committed to ensuring the safety and sanctity of its cemeteries and these new measures aim to deter future incidents of grave robbing and offer peace of mind to the families of the deceased.