By Michaella Faith Wright

In a troubling development, Chief Inspector Abdul Sesay from Kimbadu Police Station, Tankoro Police Division, and Corporal 12718 David Allieu Mafinda from the Motema Police Division have been escorted to the exit door of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) following allegations of bribery. This decision came after Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Andrew Vandy recommended their dismissal from the force during a police disciplinary tribunal held on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, at the Tankoro Divisional Headquarters.

The controversy unfolded when a video surfaced implicating Chief Inspector Sesay, allegedly showing him accepting money as a bribe from Mr. and Mrs. Foryoh, who were apprehended for unlawfully possessing 50 sachets of suspected Kush. The video purportedly captured Chief Inspector Sesay counting money, believed to be part of the bribe, prompting authorities to take action.

Testifying as the Prosecution Witness (PW-1), CSP Augustine Kamara, the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Tankoro Police Division, disclosed that upon receiving the video evidence, he confronted Chief Inspector Sesay. Sesay purportedly admitted to his involvement and produced the 50 sachets of confiscated Kush, as well as the alleged 700 Leone bribe, which Corporal Mafinda reportedly collected. Subsequent investigations led to their arraignment before Presiding Officer Vandy.

During the tribunal, both defendants pleaded guilty to counts one and two, including charges of corrupt practice, improper conduct, and acts prejudicial to good order and discipline. However, they denied the third count and the alleged 10,000 Leone bribe.

In his verdict, ASP Andrew Vandy condemned the officers’ actions as detrimental to the institution’s reputation and deemed them guilty on all charges. He recommended their dismissal, pending approval from the Inspector General of Police. The accused officers have been transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for criminal prosecution.

The incident underscores the importance of upholding integrity and transparency within law enforcement agencies, as well as the need for swift and decisive action to address misconduct. As the case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to maintain public trust and accountability within the Sierra Leone Police force.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, April 15th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)