Policing is once again under the spotlight in the southern Pujehun district after the alleged brutalization of a suspect which landed him in hospital.
The victim, Bockarie Rogers, was beaten by a mob that included two police officers. The incident occurred on Thursday, 21st July in Pujehun Town.
Police Constable 19247 Mansaray and OSD officer 15873 George, are accused of setting a mob on Mr Rogers, a farmer and resident of Bendu Kpaka in Kpaka Chiefdom, who was been pursued to be arrested.
A spokesman for the police confirmed the incident to ManoReporters, noting that two officers had been placed under investigation.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Kenewa John Squire, Information Officer attached to the Pujehun Police Division, said the Complaints, Discipline and Internal Investigation Department (CDIID) of the force is currently investigating the men for alleged physical assault.
According to the police, the matter was reported by the victim’s father-in-law, John Brima Tucker on the same day the incident occurred.
Rogers was hospitalised for four days after the incident. He recounted his ordeal from his hospital bed.
He explained that in September last year, his wife took a loan from the microfinance organization BRAC International, for which he served as guarantor.
Rogers was reported to the Pujehun Police Division after his wife, Lucy failed to meet the deadline to make the complete payment. He said he was later invited to the BRAC office by the Police, where he was required to explain the reason for the delay. There, disagreement ensued about the exact amount the Rogers were to pay.
While Rogers believed they had Le 270, 000 outstanding payment, he said they were told by the creditors that they had an outstanding balance of Le570, 000, as a result of accrued interest.
Rogers said he subsequently agreed to pay the Le570, 000, even though he wasn’t convinced by the creditor’s explanation. He added that he was also asked to pay an extra Le100, 000 as transport refund to the police officers, bringing the total of Le670, 000.
According to Rogers, he offered to pay Le150, 000 on the spot, as down payment for the total amount, with the promise of paying the remaining Le 520, 000 later.
To his surprise, he went on, the officers rejected his down payment, insisting that he must pay in full or he be detained until the amount is fully paid.
“I accepted to go to the police station, but while on our way, we met our Ward Councilor and I ran to him for safety,” Rogers narrated, adding: “At this point, the OSD officer shouted “thief” “thief”, and I was attacked by a group of people, including the police OSD officer, who assaulted me.”
Rogers said the OSD Officer removed his Le150, 000 from his pocket while he was being beaten, before he went unconscious.
“I didn’t know what happened to me next, until when I saw myself in the hospital,” he said.
Rogers complained of general body pain when he reported at the Pujehun Government Hospital. Up to Tuesday, the hospital hadn’t conducted any test on him, because he couldn’t afford the Le60, 000 the hospital is asking for.
Mohamed Rogers, a relative of the victim, recalled his brother been taken to the hospital unconscious.
“Myself and my brother have been without food since the 24th July 2022,” Mohamed lamented to ManoReporters.
A representative of BRAC expressed regret over the incident.
Zainab Turay, a Credit Officer with the lender, also distanced her office from the violent action of the police. She explained that the loan agreement entailed that the debtor, Lucy, was supposed to repay within 10 months, with an interest of Le270, 000. She noted that payment was to be made Le30, 000 per week.
According to Zainab, the Rogers delayed paying for 16 weeks, bringing their total loan payment to Le1, 170, 000, including interest. She said Mr Rogers claimed he didn’t know he was to pay an interest of Le270, 000.
Zainab also said they only hired the service of one police officer, wondering how the second police officer got involved on the matter.
“My office is totally against any form of assault on any client or guarantor. We only hired the police to help us to have our money. And it is in the agreement form that was filled by Bocakrie’s wife, that police action will be taken on anyone that defaulted,” Zainab told ManoReporters.
“We felt bad about the incident,” she added, noting that they won’t pressure Rogers for payment now, while he seeks treatment.
Police brutality is a common phenomenon in Sierra Leone, and campaigners blame it on a culture of impunity within the force.
But ASP Squire, the Police spokesman, has assured that the police will investigate this matter involving Rogers and ensure that justice is served.
Rogers was expected to be discharged from hospital on Tuesday.
