In a decisive crackdown on corruption within its ranks, the Sierra Leone Police force has dismissed two of its officers following a police disciplinary tribunal.
The tribunal, held on April 9, 2024, at the Tankoro divisional headquarters, saw Chief Inspector Abdul Sesay of the Kimbadu Police Station, and Corporal David Allieu Mafinda of the Motema Police Division, being dismissed from service for engaging in corrupt practices.
The incident leading to their dismissal began to unfold when a video surfaced showing Chief Inspector Sesay allegedly accepting bribe money from a couple arrested for possessing illegal substances.
The video, which quickly caught the attention of police authorities, depicted Sesay counting money he reportedly received from Mr. and Mrs. Foryoh, who were found in possession of 50 sachets of suspected kush. According to the allegations, Sesay, together with Corporal Mafinda, demanded a bribe of Le 10,000 to overlook the charges, of which Le 700 was captured in the video.
During the tribunal, presided over by ASP Andrew Vandy, both officers pleaded guilty to corrupt practice and improper practice, while denying the third charge of demanding the full alleged bribe amount. Their admission and the evidence presented, including the testimony of CSP Augustine Kamara, LUC of the Tankoro Police Division, led to their immediate dismissal recommended by ASP Vandy, pending approval from the Inspector General of Police.
ASP Vandy, in his ruling, emphasized that the actions of Sesay and Mafinda severely damaged the reputation of the police force and stated that such behavior would not be tolerated.
Following their dismissal, the two former officers were transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further criminal prosecution.
This decisive action marks a significant step in the Sierra Leone Police force’s efforts to maintain integrity and discipline within its ranks.
