Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) today, August 10, 2025, marked three years since the tragic deaths of six of its officers who were brutally killed during violent anti-government protests in Freetown and parts of northern Sierra Leone on August 10, 2022.
The force honored the memory of Superintendent Osman Fofanah, Sergeant Tommy Munda, Sergeant Desmond Hanciles, Sergeant Ibrahim Jalloh, Police Constable Abu Bakar Turay, and Police Constable Charles Edward Kubu-Smart, acknowledging their dedicated service and sacrifice.
The officers were targeted and murdered while performing their lawful duties amidst the deadly protests that drew widespread local and international condemnation.
A state funeral service for the slain officers was held on August 23, 2022, at the Police Training School Auditorium in Hastings. The solemn event was attended by President Julius Maada Bio, First Lady Fatima Bio, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Inspector General of Police, government ministers, senior government officials, bereaved families, and members of the public.
Ahead of the funeral, Vice President Dr. Juldeh Jalloh met with the bereaved families, emphasizing that the state-led funeral was the least the fallen officers deserved. Each family received NLe 100,000 for funeral rites expenses, and the Vice President also announced the establishment of a Special Fund for the education and social needs of the children and beneficiaries of the victims.
The August 10, 2022, protests, which escalated into violence, also claimed the lives of civilians, including 16-year-old Kadiatu, who was fatally shot while standing on a veranda at her Blackhall Road, Kissy home. The incident led to a nationwide curfew and a strong condemnation from President Bio, who cut short a medical trip to address the nation, describing the violence as “an act of terrorism” and promising to bring those responsible to justice.
In the aftermath, several police stations were pillaged and burnt. While 133 people suspected of involvement were later released due to lack of evidence, a committee led by Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai was established to investigate the incident. The events of August 10, 2022, brought back somber memories of Sierra Leone’s civil war and underscored the fragility of peace, particularly with impending elections.
The Sierra Leone Police continues to remember and honor the six gallant officers whose lives were lost in the line of duty, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.
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