Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) has issued a response to allegations of a Soldier of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Force (RSLAF) was shot and killed at Presidential Lodge in Freetown.

According to MOD, their attention was drawn to a message in circulation on Social Media alleging that a Soldier was shot and killed at the President Lodge.

According to the message, Staff Sergeant Barrie was shot to death because he made a statement on the delay for the supply of take home rice for the month of May 2022.
The Ministry of Defence noted that the said statement is completely false and the story misleading.
“The MOD would therefore like to inform the public of the correct account of the incident which led to the unfortunate death of the RSLAF Soldier. The facts are as follows:
On 17th May 2022, one civilian residing at No. 49 Davies Drive Hill Station, made a distress call to Staff Sergeant Barrie and Sergeant Tucker (close friends of his), requesting for assistance to contain the unruly behavior of his son. The two Soldiers immediately arrived at his premises unarmed. Whilst the Soldiers were both attentively listening to him, his son unexpectedly appeared with a knife and stabbed both Sergeant Tucker and Staff Sergeant Barrie.”

The Ministry further noted that the two Soldiers were immediately taken to the 34 Military Hospital at Wilberforce Barracks.
“Unfortunately Staff Sergeant Barrie died moments later whilst Sergeant Tucker is still responding to treatment. The suspect was arrested on the same day and handed over to the Sierra Leone Police at Hill Top Police Station Mountain Division for investigation,” MOD confirmed.
The Ministry reminded the public that, such acts has the potential to incite Soldiers which may affect the peace and security of the country.
“It is therefore advised that citizens should avoid publishing or spreading false messages on social media that are inciting and misleading to Soldiers,” they stated.

“MoD unequivocally condemns the stabbing of serving military personnel and sympathizes with the bereaved family,” the Ministry of Defence concluded.