Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma, Chief Medical Examiner and Government Consultant Pathologist at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has provided crucial testimony in the ongoing Court Martial trial of 27 military officers linked to the November 26, 2023, attempted coup in Freetown.

As the 35th prosecution witness, Dr. Koroma confirmed that he conducted autopsy examinations on individuals who lost their lives during the incident. Tasked with determining the cause of death, Dr. Koroma meticulously examined the deceased to establish both the manner and mode of death.

Reflecting on his duties following the November 26 incident, Dr. Koroma stated that he successfully determined the cause of death for the individuals he examined. Notably, he conducted postmortem examinations on the remains of Lieutenant Colonel Wilfred Sao Samai, John Robert Mboma, Khalifa Kelly Marrah, and Thomas Rogers at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown.

Subsequently, Dr. Koroma compiled his findings into an autopsy report dated December 15, 2023. He then issued medical cause of death certificates to the Sierra Leone Police and the families of the deceased to facilitate proper burial arrangements.

According to Dr. Koroma’s expert analysis, the cause of death for those examined was attributed to gunshot injuries sustained during the November 26 incident. He unequivocally classified these deaths as homicides resulting from gunshot wounds, ruling out natural causes.

Dr. Koroma’s testimony sheds light on the forensic evidence crucial to the Court Martial trial, providing insight into the tragic events of November 26 and contributing to the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.