By Jane During
A school principal in Port Loko has been remanded in custody following allegations of involvement in the tragic death of a Junior Secondary School (JSS) pupil.
According to police sources, the incident occurred at the New Harvest School in Port Loko, where the pupil, a 14-year-old boy, reportedly collapsed and died under circumstances that have sparked public concern and an ongoing investigation.
Eyewitnesses allege that the principal may have subjected the pupil to punishment shortly before the incident. The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, pending the results of a post-mortem examination.
Following the incident, local authorities swiftly arrested the principal, whose identity has not yet been officially released, and brought the matter before the Port Loko Magistrate Court. During the court appearance, the accused was not granted bail and has been remanded at the Port Loko Correctional Centre while police continue their investigations.
The Sierra Leone Police and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) have both launched parallel inquiries to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. The tragic event has drawn significant public attention, with parents and rights advocates calling for accountability and improved safety measures in schools.
