Police Constable Alhassan Tejan Kamara, stationed at the Kamakwie Police Division, has pleaded guilty to disciplinary charges for assaulting his girlfriend on September 1, 2024.
A public disciplinary hearing held on September 4, 2024, recommended Kamara's immediate dismissal from the Sierra Leone Police, pending approval from Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu.
The public hearing, which took place in Kamakwie
Town, was ordered by IGP Sellu to promote transparency and accountability
within the police force. The event aimed to demonstrate the Sierra Leone
Police’s strict stance against domestic violence and to assure the local
community that discipline is being enforced rigorously within the police ranks.
During the hearing, Kamara admitted to all three
charges against him, including assault, failure to comply with standing orders
issued by the IGP, and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline. The
assault occurred on the night of September 1, 2024, in Looking Town, Kamakwie
2, located within the Sella Limba Chiefdom in the Karene District.
The complainant, Kamara’s girlfriend, Isatu Foday
Conteh, testified during the proceedings, contributing to the final judgment.
After reviewing the evidence and Kamara's admission of guilt, the presiding
officer recommended that he be dismissed from the police force.
This case has also opened the door to further
legal action. Following Kamara's potential dismissal, he could face criminal
charges under Sierra Leone’s Domestic Violence Act of 2007. This would be a
significant step in the country’s efforts to combat domestic violence, as it
would show that both disciplinary and legal consequences are being enforced
against perpetrators, particularly within law enforcement.
The charge sheet from Kamara’s disciplinary
hearing outlined the specific offenses:
Count One: Assault – Kamara was
charged with assaulting his girlfriend, violating the Police Discipline
Regulation code regarding civility and proper conduct.
Count Two: Failure to Comply with
Standing Orders – Kamara failed to follow standing orders issued by
the IGP, representing a serious breach of police discipline and protocol.
Count Three: Conduct Prejudicial to Good
Order and Discipline – Kamara’s actions were deemed to have
compromised the integrity and discipline of the police force, further
justifying the recommendation for his dismissal.
The outcome of this case highlights the Sierra
Leone Police's ongoing efforts to address domestic violence both within its
ranks and in the wider community. By holding public hearings and imposing
strict disciplinary measures, the police intend to send a clear message that
such behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
As the police await the IGP’s final decision on
Kamara’s dismissal, the possibility of criminal prosecution looms, reflecting a
strong commitment to tackling domestic violence in the country. If criminal charges
are pursued, it could set a precedent for how cases of domestic violence
involving law enforcement officers are handled, further strengthening Sierra
Leone's legal framework in the fight against abuse.
The public nature of the hearing has served as a reminder
that no one is above the law, including members of the police force. The
disciplinary measures being taken in this case illustrate the police force’s
dedication to upholding its code of conduct and maintaining public trust.
Kamara’s case is expected to contribute to a broader movement within the Sierra Leone Police to root out misconduct and ensure that law enforcement officers serve as positive examples to the communities they are tasked with protecting.
The potential criminal prosecution
under the Domestic Violence Act, if pursued, would reaffirm the police's
zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence, sending a powerful message to
both officers and the general public.
As this case progresses, it may further shape
public perception of the police force's commitment to transparency, discipline,
and justice, particularly in matters of domestic abuse, reinforcing the idea
that such actions will be met with the full force of the law.