The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has confirmed that it has dismissed two of its personnel who were arraigned before the Police Tribunal in connection with a 17 months old baby who died in the hands of her mother while in detention.

Following the demise of the 17 months old, the Police tribunal investigated four of its personnel. After the investigation, the tribunal passed a guilty verdict of negligence against two of the four personnel that were arraigned, in addition to a fine which the two personnel must pay.

The tribunal also ordered that police officer Sannoh’s one year salary and Foday’s six months’ salary must be given to the family of the deceased as compensation.

Inspector Amara Lovel Stevens who presided over the tribunal recommended for the dismissal of both Sgt. Baimba Sannoh, the police officer who arrested Kadiatu Koroma, (mother of the deceased) and ordered for her detention, and Baindu Foday, the female lock up officer who detained the mother together with the 17 months old child.

Inspector Stevens also ruled that, Samuel Kargbo, Shift commander at the time of the incident, and the Panlap Division Station Seargent Samatu Thoronka should go for two weeks of correctional training.

The four police officers were charged with six counts ranging from lack of incivility, murder, neglect of duty, the conduct of prejudice, conducts to the prejudice of good order, and conduct to the prejudice of discipline. They were however, not found guilty of murder.

Kadiatu Koroma mother of the deceased had mixed feelings after the verdict had been delivered. While she expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the tribunal, noting that justice had been served. She was also in tears for the loss of her child.

Koroma thanked people of goodwill organizations that supported her during the ordeal.