By Sheku Putka Kamara

Award-winning Journalist, Christian Conteh has written a letter to Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu over the death of capable young multitasking journalist, Alusine Joseph Mansaray who until his untimely demise was a reporter and producer for Afri radio, among other engagements. The late young man started his carrier at Radio Mount Aureole, Fourah Bay College, CTN where he served in several capacities at a time when he was pursuing a degree leading to the award of a BA Hons in Mass Communication. It had been reported that Mansaray was onboard a ‘Keke’ along Wilkinson Road when an unknown bike man violently snatched his phone. Whiles attempting to resist the robbery and to recover his phone, eyewitnesses say Mansaray fell off the Keke unknowingly to the Keke rider. He was later rushed at the hospital, but he couldn’t make it.

This unfortune occurrence has sparked outrage far and wide much to the dissatisfaction of all and sundry. Christian’s letter to IG Sellu is attached below;

The Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police,

William Fayia Sellu,

Freetown,

Sierra Leone.

Subject: Urgent Call for Investigation into the Death of Journalist Alusine Joseph Mansaray

Dear Sir,

I write to you with a heavy heart and a firm resolve, urging an immediate and thorough investigation into the tragic death of my colleague and friend, Alusine Joseph Mansaray. Alusine was not only a dedicated journalist but also a promising law student at Fourah Bay College. His untimely death has left a void in the media community and raised significant concerns about public safety.

According to reports, Alusine was a victim of a brutal crime along Wilkinson Road. It is alleged that while traveling in a kekeh, he was pursued by individuals on a motorbike intent on stealing his phone. In the ensuing chaos, Alusine was forcibly dragged out of the kekeh, resulting in a fall that caused severe internal injuries. Despite being rushed to Life Care Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

This incident is not an isolated case. Wilkinson Road has become notorious for such criminal activities, and it is high time we address this growing menace. I strongly believe that Alusine’s death should mark the beginning of a serious effort to curb crime in this area.

While I am not a lawyer, my understanding of the law leads me to classify this as a case of robbery with aggravation and potentially homicide. If the police are struggling to find leads, we, as journalists, are ready to assist. The investigation should begin with the kekeh rider who inexplicably continued driving for over 50 meters after the incident without noticing that a passenger had fallen out.

There were eyewitnesses present at the scene who could provide valuable information to the police. Furthermore, the strategic placement of security cameras in the city, including on Wilkinson Road, should be utilized to gather crucial evidence. These cameras, often reviewed during politically motivated riots, can play a pivotal role in solving crimes like this one.

The death of Alusine Joseph Mansaray is a grave injustice that demands your immediate attention. It is essential for the integrity of our community and the safety of our citizens that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

Yours sincerely,

Christian Conteh

Journalist