By Mohamed Mansaray

A vibrant city in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Province, is known for its lively markets and strong community spirit. But recent crimes have shaken the peace of Nongowa chiefdom, testing the resolve of its people and the strength of the justice system, at magistrate Court No. 2, under the steady hand of magistrate Wilbri Hamida, two men, Samuel Mannah and Alhaji Kanneh, were remanded at the Sierra Leone correctional Centre for breaking into a local shop. In a separate, heartbreaking case, 15-year-old Francis Feika was sent to the High Court for sexually abusing a four-year-old girl, these cases, unfolding in March and April 2025, have sparked anger, fear, and a renewed call for justice among Kenema’s residents.

On the night of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Nathaniel Gbassa’s shop at No. 24 Semabu Lane was targeted by thieves. Samuel Mannah and Alhaji Kanneh, a laborer from 15 Tengbeh Town, allegedly broke into the shop with the intent to steal, violating Section 27(2) of the Larceny Act of 1916. Gbassa, a respected trader in Kenema’s Nongowa chiefdom, was heartbroken, this shop is how I feed my family, he told reporters outside the court, his voice heavy with emotion, I sell rice, oil, and clothes. When they broke in, they stole my peace, not just my goods.

The incident struck a nerve in Kenema, where small businesses like Gbassa’s are the lifeblood of the community traders in Semabu Lane, a busy market street, now lock their shops with extra care. “If Nathaniel’s shop isn’t safe, none of us are, said Fatmata Koroma, a market woman selling vegetables nearby, we work all day, but now we’re afraid to leave our stalls at night, the case highlights the economic struggles in Kenema, where the scars of the 1991–2002 civil war linger, and petty theft threatens the livelihoods of hardworking families.

Magistrate Wilbri Hamida heard the case on March 20, 2025. No plea was taken from Mannah and Kanneh, as the prosecution needed time to gather more evidence, including tools found at the scene. “Justice must be fair and thorough, the magistrate declared, adjourning the case to May 22, 2025, for a full hearing, the two men were remanded at the Kenema Correctional Centre, a decision that brought some comfort to Gbassa, I trust the court to do right, he said, this isn’t just about me it’s about protecting every trader in Kenema.

Police Inspector Aiah Mafinda Teh, leading the prosecution, presented a compelling case, we found signs of forced entry and items linked to the accused, Teh told the press, we’re working to stop theft and keep Kenema’s markets safe, his words resonated with traders, who rely on the police to deter crime in a city where economic hardship can push some to desperate acts. Paramount Chief Amara Kanneh of Nongowa Chiefdom urged the community to stay united, let’s help the police by reporting suspicious acts. Our businesses are our future.

In a far more devastating case, 15-year-old Francis Feika, an apprentice living at No. 2 Fabai Street, was committed to the High Court for sexually penetrating a four-year-old girl. The crime, which took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, violated Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act No. 12 of 2012, as amended by

Section 4(a)(1) of the sexual offences Amendment Act No. 8 of 2019. The victim’s mother, speaking anonymously to protect her daughter, shared her anguish, my little girl was playing outside our house. She’s only four, how could someone hurt her like this, the news spread quickly, leaving Fabai Street in shock. Neighbors gathered to comfort the family, their anger palpable, this boy must face the law, said Aminata Sesay, a mother living nearby, our children should be safe in their own yards the case has stirred painful memories of other abuses in Sierra Leone, where child protection remains a critical challenge despite stronger laws, we can’t let this happen again, said Joseph Kamara, a community elder. “Our daughters deserve to grow up without

Magistrate Hamida, recognizing the gravity of the offense, sent Feika’s case to the high court for trial, where penalties for child sexual abuse are severe, the prosecution, led by 10734 Police Sergeant Davis Idriss from the Kenema police division’s Legal and Justice support department, presented medical reports and witness accounts confirming the assault, this is a crime against a defenceless child, Idriss said, we’ll fight for justice for her and her family.

The ministry of gender, children, and social protection has stepped in to support the victim, offering counselling and medical care, this child’s pain is our pain, said a ministry official, we’re here to help her heal and to prevent such crimes, local schools are also taking action, with teachers like Mariama Bangura planning lessons on child safety, we need to teach our children how to stay safe and tell someone if they’re hurt, she said.

These cases shine a light on the challenges facing Kenema, a city of traders, farmers, and families working to build a better future, the shop breaking incident reflects a rise in property crimes, driven by economic hardship and unemployment, many young people have no jobs, so they turn to stealing, said Fatmata Koroma, we need work for them, not jail,  small shops, which often hold cash and goods, are easy targets, especially at night when police patrols are stretched thin.

The sexual abuse case points to a deeper issue: protecting Sierra Leone’s children, the 2019 Sexual offences Amendment Act strengthened penalties for such crimes, but enforcement is tough in communities where poverty and lack of education can leave children vulnerable, we have good laws, but we need to make sure they work, said Joseph Kamara, parents, schools, and chiefs must watch our children closely.

The Kenema police division is responding with increased patrols and community meetings. Inspector Teh emphasized their commitment we’re training our officers to handle theft and abuse cases with care, we want people to trust us, Sergeant Idriss added, if you see something wrong, tell us, we’re here to protect you. their work is supported by the Legal and Justice Support Department, which ensures evidence is strong and cases move quickly through the courts.

Kenema’s people are not standing still, the shop breaking case has pushed traders to form a market watch group, with members like Fatmata Koroma taking turns guarding Semabu Lane at night, we’re tired of being afraid.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, May 26TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)