Military Officer Shot Dead , Says Police

By Feima Sesay

In a tragic turn of events, Captain John Conteh of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) was fatally shot by law enforcement officers after what the police Described as an attempted to escape from lawful custody.
But the public is questioning the circumstances that led to the killing of the military captain at least when he was under strict capture surrounded by head armed men .

The revelation came during the Police routine press briefing at their headquarters on George Street, Freetown, on Thursday, April 18th, 2024.

According to police reports, a series of arrests were made between April 16th and April 18th, targeting both former and current military officers. While the identities of those arrested were not disclosed, the police confirmed their intention to charge them in court.

Some of the arrested individuals were described as fugitives connected to subversive activities in July 2023 and November 2023.

Additionally, the SLP received intelligence regarding a planned subversion targeting the post-Ramadan festival leading up to the Independence Day celebration on April 27th, 2024.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Brima Kamara, disclosed that Captain John Conteh, now deceased, was shot by a police officer while attempting to escape custody during a transfer to another detention center at Jui. After he was re-arrested after being shot, Conteh succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.

While ACP Kamara did not specify the exact location of the gunshot wounds, he confirmed that Conteh sustained injuries from gunfire, resulting in his unfortunate demise.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with assurances from ACP Kamara that charges will be brought against the other detained officers.