FAHP RAISES CONCERN OVER TORTURE INCIDENT AT KANGAMA GORAMA TOWN

By Feima Sesay

The Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) has during a press conference raised concerns over the recent torture incident at Kangama Gorama town, Gorama Chiefdom, Kono district.

The event was held on Friday 11th October 2024 at SLAJ office Harry Yansaneh Hall Campbell Street Freetown.
According to a press statement read while addressing reporters ;
‘’The attention of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) has been drawn to a
recent unfortunate incidence of physical and emotional torture of a woman (whose
name is withheld for now) by a group of women at a Bondo Bush in Kangama town,
Gorama Chiefdom, Kono District.
The press release further states that FAHP wishes to express extreme concern over the
inhumane, degrading, and human rights violation perpetrated against this woman.”

This gruesome crime was heartlessly carried out at a place that Ought to be secure and
maintain the dignity of the Sierra Leonean woman: but rather, it represented a place of
torture, a prison, and a perfect hide-out to execute such a serious offense.
“The victim was physically assaulted with visible grievous bodily harm, beaten and
disgraced to the extent of shaving her head and her private part., and to make matters
worse, she was even forced to drink a Concoction (manessie) which made her suffer
from psychological trauma”. The release states.

Forum Against Harmful Practices(FAHP) recognizes that the incident in question is
presently a subject matter of Police investigation. However, the circumstances that led to such barbaric conduct has no place in modern time civilization and particularly so,
Cannot be applauded by the Law of Sierra Leone, No one is above the Law and therefore should not take the Law into their own hands to the extent of torturing, imprisoning and assaulting the victim in such a manner. The state said.

This incident brings to clear sight some of the unknown and secret cruelty that goes on
in some of these Bondo bush places and it gives a further insight into the possible many
crimes that have taken place and may continue to be carried out in these places if due care and attention is not given to the dire concerns of well-meaning Organizations like
the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) which are tirelessly bringing to the attention of Government and other stakeholders of the growing incidents been perpetuated in
these Bondo Bushes. IT IS BECOMING A NATIONAL CONCERN
In the meantime, FAHP is following up with the Ministry of Gender, its partners in Kono,
other stakeholders and the Police to ensure the safety of the victim and also bring the
perpetrators to face the full extent of the Law for their barbaric act.

FAHP calls on Government through the Ministries of Gender and Children’s Affairs,
Social VWelfare, Local government, Public and Political Affairs to:
Ensure the safety of the Victim and her family
Reduce the number of Bondo bushes
Monitor Activities within the these Bondo bushes
Ensure that Justice for the victim.