By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) at the Kissy Division have successfully uncovered and dismantled a suspected criminal syndicate involved in the theft of commercial motorbikes and tricycles, commonly known as Kekehs, within Freetown.
The breakthrough followed a report of an alleged robbery with aggravation lodged on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Kissy Division.
According to police reports, the complainant, Mohamed Santigie Kamara, alleged that at approximately 1:00 a.m. at Drive One, New Low-Cost Housing, he was attacked by two individuals identified as Mohamed Bangura and an accomplice known only as “Zipo,” who remains at large.
The attackers reportedly assaulted the victim and struck him on the head with a machete, causing a severe injury to his left eye. He was later rescued by fellow commercial motorbike riders who responded swiftly to the scene. One of the suspects, Mohamed Bangura, was apprehended shortly after the incident and taken into custody at the Kissy Divisional Headquarters.
During interrogation, the suspect is said to have confessed to the crime and revealed the existence of a broader criminal network allegedly responsible for a series of motorbike and kekeh thefts across the city.
Acting on intelligence provided, a police operations team led by Superintendent Siaka Kamara conducted a targeted raid at a compound located at No. 1 Railway Line, Rokupa. The operation led to the discovery of several motorbikes, Kekehs, and related accessories suspected to have been stolen.
The recovered items have since been transported to the CID, Kissy Division, where investigations are ongoing. In total, seven Kekehs and seven motorbikes are currently in police custody.
Police say efforts are underway to track down the fleeing suspect, “Zipo,” and to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate believed to be operating within the capital.
Authorities at the Kissy Division have reiterated their commitment to tackling organised crime and ensuring the safety and security of residents.
They have also called on members of the public who may have lost motorbikes or Kekehs to visit the Kissy Divisional Headquarters with valid proof of ownership to facilitate the identification and recovery of their property.
The operation marks a significant step in curbing the growing menace of commercial vehicle theft in Freetown, offering renewed hope to riders whose livelihoods depend on these essential means of transportation.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 13th April 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
