The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has expressed growing alarm over a troubling surge in violent acts being carried out under the guise of dispensing justice in certain communities.
These disturbing incidents have culminated in what authorities are describing as extra-judicial killings, prompting the SLP to label them as both homicidal and a significant miscarriage of justice.
The trend of these violent acts, often directed towards suspected thieves or alleged miscreants, is leading to heightened concerns within the SLP.
The force underscores that mob or jungle justice is entirely unacceptable within a civilized society, as it threatens the foundational principles of peace, safety, and security within the State. The position of the law is unequivocal: no individual possesses the right to arbitrarily take another person’s life, whether based on suspicions of criminal activity or mere speculation.
Section 23 (4) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991) emphasizes the presumption of innocence until proven guilty through due process in a court of law. In light of this, the SLP reiterates that the sole lawful entity empowered to investigate alleged criminals is the Police.
The SLP forcefully emphasizes that individuals who have engaged in or participated in mob justice across various communities within the country must cease these actions immediately. Such behavior is deplorable and regressive, running counter to the principles of a just and humane society. Those who persist in such acts will be held accountable under the full extent of the law.
The SLP encourages all citizens to report any instances involving suspected or apprehended criminals to the nearest police station. This action aligns with the law’s requirement for proper investigations and subsequent legal proceedings.
The SLP’s stern message is clear: mob justice is not a pathway to justice; it is a direct violation of the fundamental principles upon which Sierra Leone’s legal system is built.
In a nation where respect for due process and the rule of law is paramount, the Sierra Leone Police emphasizes that every individual’s rights, regardless of their circumstances, must be safeguarded.
As the SLP stands as the primary guardian of law and order, it implores citizens to rely on the established channels of justice, ensuring that justice is served, and the integrity of the State’s legal framework is upheld.
