The Sierra Leone Police have arrested at least 33 suspected Guinean citizens on allegations of human trafficking. The 33 individuals were arrested at various residences on Okeke Street, New England Ville, Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone on Monday, 5 August, 2024.
The arrests were conducted following tips received from members of the community.
CSP Sia Bernadette Sandy, the Local Unit Commander of the Bo/East Police Division, reported that the suspects asserted they had come to Sierra Leone to study French under the guidance of a Freetown resident.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the possibility of human trafficking disguised as employment opportunities for the detainees.
Upon reaching the Police Regional Headquarters, AIG Brima Kanneh, the Police Regional Commander South, personally interviewed some of the suspects.
However, their explanations for their presence in Bo City were deemed unconvincing. Subsequently, the Sierra Leonean contact in Freetown was consulted for more details on the case.
AIG Kanneh, recognizing the security risks associated with a purported social media demonstration scheduled for August 18th-20th, instructed his team to thoroughly investigate the situation to ensure public safety.
In the meantime, many locals are questioning how foreigners could be accommodated in Sierra Leone without a valid purpose, particularly in a country where French is not the primary language. Suspicions of human trafficking have been circulating within the community, prompting demands for a thorough probe to underscore the significance of upholding the safety and well-being of all individuals.
Report by Paul Kamara
