The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have imposed an overnight curfew in Pendembu Town, Kailahun District, following disturbances during the burial ceremony of the late Paramount Chief Cyril Foray Gondor II of Upper Bambara Chiefdom.
The curfew, which runs from 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, to 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2026, is intended to maintain public order and protect lives and property.
According to the Sierra Leone Police, the disturbances occurred late on Friday, October 16, and allegedly involved the burning of three houses, the theft of property and the unauthorised removal of the deceased’s body from the grave site.
The body has since been recovered and taken to the Government Hospital mortuary in Kenema, where it is being preserved pending reburial.
In connection with the incident, joint security personnel have arrested 62 male suspects, who were transferred from Pendembu Police Station to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department East for further investigation.
The security operation is being led by the Regional Police Commander East, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joe Kamanda Bongay. Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
Before the curfew began, Regional Police Media Officer East, Chief Inspector Brima James Musa, and Regional Head of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit East, Sub-Inspector Salifu Belikoh Mansaray, appeared on a radio programme to discuss the situation.
They also highlighted the dangers of drug abuse and its potential contribution to violence, disorder and other criminal activities.
The Sierra Leone Police has urged residents to remain calm, comply with the curfew and cooperate with security personnel as efforts continue to restore normalcy.
At the time of reporting on Saturday, Pendembu Town and its immediate surroundings were described as relatively calm, with a visible security presence.
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