Parliamentary Journalist, Melvin Mansaray has expressed his dismay as to why the Government of Sierra Leone is having an inquiry into the Big Fish shooting when there have been several cases of security personnel shooting harmless people and there are no inquiries mounted.

Sierraloaded previously reported about the tragic event in Freetown that led to the death of the well-known musician Foday Allieu, known locally as “Big Fish.”

ACP Brima Sandi, the Media Head of the Sierra Leone Police Force, detailed that during the incident, a female police officer was on duty at the United Bank of Africa (UBA). Big Fish entered the bank grounds, overpowered the officer, seized her gun, and then began firing indiscriminately, with five shots being fired into an open space.

Upon being challenged by the aforementioned military officer, Big Fish shot at him. Fortunately, due to his bulletproof gear, the officer remained unharmed. He had no choice but to retaliate, resulting in Big Fish’s death.

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Following the incident, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) in sending their condolence indicated that they would set up a board of inquiry to determine whether the action of the military man is in line with national safety or personal safety as well as maintaining that the board has already constituted, and the public may be informed soon on the outcome.

Reacting to development, Mansaray expressed the need for caution, emphasizing the importance of understanding the motives behind the security personnel’s actions. Even though he hasn’t served in any security capacity, he conveyed his understanding of the “rules of engagement” principle, where one has the right to defend oneself if faced with imminent threat.

For the security personnel’s actions to be deemed justifiable in this case, Mansaray believes two conditions need verification: firstly, that the deceased indeed possessed a firearm, and secondly, that he initiated gunfire towards the officers.

Drawing from personal connections, Mansaray shared, “Big Fish was my neighbor at New England Ville. I am acquainted with him and his family. However, the Big Fish we knew in New England contrasts sharply with the person we observed leading up to his demise.”

While he refrained from elaborating on the deceased’s state, he deferred such judgments to professionals.

Highlighting global precedents, Mansaray noted, “If the Soldier’s response was justifiable, there are global instances where threats, even those as basic as wielding a knife, have resulted in fatal counteractions. However, the Sierra Leone Government should be consistent. If they’re probing this incident, they should similarly investigate all other security-related fatalities. If they don’t, there must be ulterior motives at play.”