Joint security personnel from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), under the leadership of the Regional Police Commander, East, ACP Joe Kamanda Bongay, have intensified security operations in Pendembu Town, Upper Bambara Chiefdom, Kailahun District, following disturbances during the burial ceremony of the late Paramount Chief Cyril Foray Gondor II.
A curfew was imposed from 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, 17 October 2026, to 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, 18 October 2026, to maintain public order and protect lives and property.
The reported incident occurred late on Friday, 16 October 2026, and allegedly involved riotous conduct, the burning of three houses, the theft of property and the unauthorised removal of the deceased’s body from the burial site.
The body has since been retrieved and transferred to the Government Hospital mortuary in Kenema, where it has been preserved pending reburial.
In connection with the incident, security personnel from the SLP and RSLAF arrested 62 male suspects. The suspects were subsequently transferred from Pendembu Police Station to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department East for further investigation.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
Before the curfew took effect, the Regional Police Media Officer, East, Chief Inspector Brima James Musa, and the Regional Head of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), East, Sub-Inspector Salifu Belikoh Mansaray, participated in a radio programme to discuss the situation. During the programme, they highlighted the harmful effects of drug abuse and its potential links to violence, disorder and other criminal activities within communities.
The Sierra Leone Police have urged residents to remain calm, comply with the curfew and cooperate with security personnel as efforts continue to restore normalcy. The joint security presence remains focused on protecting the community while investigations proceed in accordance with the law.
At the time of reporting, Pendembu Town and its immediate surroundings remained relatively calm, with a visible security presence.
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