By Moses M. Tokpah
/Margibi
Police in Kakata City, Margibi County have charged several individuals with manslaughter and disorderly conduct in connection with the reported mob killing of a Sierra Leonean, identified as Mohammed Kabbah.
The CID Commander of Margibi County, Mohammed Kromah—who is not related to the deceased—provided details of the incident to the Inquirer Newspaper over the weekend.
According to Commander Kromah, police received a tip-off on Tuesday that a mob had attacked and killed Kabbah in the Sugar Hill Community in Weala.
Kromah said Sylvester, a Sierra Leonean and friend of Kabbah, informed police that prior to the incident he received a call about another Sierra Leonean lying on a bench that he (Sylvester) was once lying on before being helped by a resident of the area.
Sylvester stated that he rushed to the scene where he met Kabbah and the two friends began to walk together, but Kabbah decided to visit a mosque to pray.
Sylvester said he then returned home due to being dressed in short trousers and while at home, he heard shouts of “rouge” and rushed back to the scene, only to find Kabbah already being attacked by an angry crowd.
Following the report, Mohammed said police initiated an investigation in the area, questioning locals about the incident.
However, residents near the location of the tragedy denied any knowledge, and some fled the scene prior to the arrival of police authorities.
During the investigation, he indicated that police arrested a man identified as Jessy Kollie who confessed to being present during the assault and recounted that Kabbah had defended himself with a rattan chair.
Jessy also claimed he was whipped with the chair and he retaliated with a piece of reed but insisted it did not strike Kabbah, only the chair.
Commander Kromah expressed skepticism about Jessy’s account, questioning his intention behind using the reed as a weapon.
“But what was your intention of sending the reed to the chair? It was to beat the man,” he disclosed.
Mohammed furthered that Jessy confessed the name of one Joseph Kollie who is still at large, of playing a significant role in the beating of Kabbah thus leading to his death.
He added that based on Jessy’s statements, he and others involved in the incident have been charged with manslaughter and disorderly conduct.
As the investigation continues, Jessy Kollie has been forwarded to court, while police actively pursue additional suspects.
Commander Kromah urged the residents of Weala and surrounding areas to reject mob violence and instead seek legal avenues for addressing grievances.
The tragic death of Mohammed Kabbah has sparked a call for community reflection on the dangers of mob violence and the importance of upholding the rule of law.
