The tribunal recommended the immediate dismissal of the four officers and handed them over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) South for further investigation
A police tribunal in Bo has today, Thursday, September 5, 2024, convicted four serving officers on four counts of improper conduct deemed prejudicial to good order and discipline within the Sierra Leone Police Force.
The tribunal found the officers guilty of engaging in activities that undermine the integrity of the police, a serious breach of the trust placed in law enforcement by the public.
The tribunal recommended the immediate dismissal of the four officers and handed them over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) South for further investigation. The CID is expected to pursue criminal charges, at least to show that the Sierra Leone Police Force is committed to holding its members accountable for criminal activities and misconduct.
The officers were linked to two robbery incidents in Taiama and Kenema, both occurring in August 2024. These cases involved serious breaches of the law, with the officers allegedly participating in or facilitating criminal activities, further tarnishing the reputation of the force. The tribunal’s decision underscores the growing concern about rogue officers involved in crimes they are sworn to prevent.
This incident is just one in a series of reported cases where police officers in Sierra Leone have been implicated in violent crimes, raising concerns about the conduct of some members of the force. The swift action by the tribunal, however, highlights efforts by the Sierra Leone Police to root out corruption and criminal behaviour within its ranks, aiming to restore public confidence in law enforcement.