In a letter dated July 27, 2024, journalist Christian Conteh has urged Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, to launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the death of Alusine Joseph Mansaray, a broadcast journalist and law student.
Mansaray died following a violent incident on Wilkinson Road.
Conteh’s letter highlights the increasing crime rate in the Wilkinson Road area and calls for decisive action to address this issue. He emphasized that Mansaray’s death should prompt a serious response to curb criminal activities in the area.
Reports indicate that Mansaray was traveling in a kekeh when he was attacked by motorbike riders attempting to steal his phone. The attackers dragged him from the vehicle, causing severe internal injuries that led to his death at Life Care Hospital despite efforts to save him.
“This incident is not isolated; Wilkinson Road has become a hotspot for crime, and it’s time to take action,” Conteh stated.
He urged the police to treat the case as a serious crime, potentially a robbery with aggravation or homicide, and to ensure a thorough investigation.
Conteh also suggested involving the journalistic community in the investigation and recommended starting with the kekeh driver, who continued driving after Mansaray fell out. He pointed to the presence of eyewitnesses and security cameras that could provide crucial evidence.
Mansaray’s death has deeply affected the media community and raised concerns about public safety.
Conteh concluded his letter by calling for swift justice for Mansaray, emphasizing the importance of addressing the incident for the community’s integrity and safety.
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) also mourned Mansaray’s death, describing him as a talented and dedicated journalist known for his sports reporting and engaging news stories.
SLAJ condemned the attack and called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Alusine Joseph Mansaray, known affectionately as “Emperor Breezy,” was laid to rest on July 26, 2024, at the Sorie Town Mosque in Gloucester Village. The media community continues to mourn the loss of a promising talent and demands justice in his memory.
