The Sierra Leone Police Operational update

Sierra Leone Police have arrested about 20 people, among them two members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, in connection with the alleged murder of Operations Support Division Sergeant David French in Waterloo.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Freetown East, Brima Kanneh, disclosed the development on Wednesday during the SLP’s weekly press conference at the Senior Officers’ Mess in Kingtom.

Sergeant No. 12565 David French was allegedly killed in Waterloo. The suspects are currently assisting investigators.

AIG Kanneh also confirmed the arrest of a man known as “Rasta” over the alleged murder of Kassim Kargbo on 19 August.

In a separate operation, police from the Eastend Division raided a house on Mammy Yoko Street on 3 September following a tip-off. Officers recovered approximately 75 cartons of Tramadol hidden in fruit cartons. The Transnational Organized Crime Unit is handling the case.

Other incidents reported in the Freetown East area include a fire on 2 September that claimed the lives of three children from the same family.

Meanwhile, four suspects have been arrested and paraded before the media in connection with an attempted robbery in Magburaka. The Criminal Investigation Department is leading the probe.

Director of Operations AIG Dr Martin John Senesie told journalists the police remain committed to maintaining peace and security across the country. He said officers continue regular patrols and checkpoints to deter crime.

A representative of the Office of National Security called for closer cooperation between security agencies, the media and the public, especially in the fight against drugs and organized crime.

The press conference also covered traffic management measures aimed at reducing road accidents, as well as the SLP’s recent observance of the International Day of Police Cooperation.

All the cases mentioned remain under active investigation.

Edward Kosovo Mara presented data from the directorate of traffic management and road safety

The figures were released on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, at a press briefing held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Freetown.

Despite the significant sums generated through enforcement, senior officers stressed that the real cost of road crashes continues to mount, with fatalities posing a growing threat to lives across the country.

Chief Inspector Edward Kamara, Information Officer for the Traffic Secretariat, pointed to a worrying increase in traffic-related deaths and called on motorists to obey the rules of the road.

“Road crashes now account for more deaths than major health concerns such as malaria, which presents a critical challenge for our nation,” Kamara said.

The enforcement operations covered all regions and resulted in hundreds of arrests and the following fine collections:

•  Freetown West: 49,775 Leones from 49 cases.

 •  Freetown East: 27,666 Leones from 93 cases.

•  Northwest: 49,550 Leones from 119 cases.

•  Northeast: 47,200 Leones from 133 cases.

 •  South: 24,425 Leones from 100 cases.

 •  East: 50,550 Leones from 106 cases.

 Okada Regulation: Since August 15, 11,450 impounds have been made regarding motorcycle (Okada) violations in the CBD.

Chief Inspector Kamara identified vehicle overloading, the use of unlicensed vehicles, and the illegal fitting of distracting decorative lights as major contributors to fatal crashes.

Police authorities made clear that while the campaign has produced notable revenue, its main purpose remains the protection of lives, the reduction of casualties, and safer roads for all Sierra Leoneans.

Four Arrested After Attempted Armed Robbery at GOAL-Sierra Leone Office

Four men are in police custody after an attempted armed burglary at the GOAL-Sierra Leone office on Bumbuna Road in Magburaka was foiled through the combined efforts of Sierra Leone Police officers and alert local residents.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Alieu Jalloh, Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, confirmed the arrests during a press briefing at the Kingtom Police Officers’ Mess on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

He commended the rapid response of patrol officers and the vital intelligence provided by community members.

The incident occurred on 23 August 2026. The suspects, armed with dangerous implements, breached the barbed-wire fencing surrounding the premises and were in the process of forcing open the office doors to steal valuable assets belonging to the humanitarian organization.

Their plan was cut short when a passing police patrol officer and vigilant local youths spotted the suspicious activity. As the men prepared to load the stolen items into a waiting vehicle, an alarm was raised. A rapid-response team arrived promptly, secured the area and apprehended the suspects.

Those arrested have been identified as:

– Alimamy Kamara, the designated driver

– Abdulai Barrie, 33, a known offender with previous convictions for larceny and obtaining money by false pretenses

– Abdul Rahman Fofanah, alias “Uncle O”, also a known offender

– Hamuday Bangura

ACP Jalloh emphasised that the successful operation highlights the important role of the Police Partnership Board and grassroots community vigilance in protecting national and humanitarian development assets.

“This collaborative effort underscores the critical importance of community engagement in crime prevention,” he said, while reassuring the public of the Sierra Leone Police’s continued commitment to proactive policing.

The four suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.