The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has issued a wanted notice declaring the Head Coach of the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association, Mr. Edward Alvin Bangura Wanted for allegedly participating in the August 10 protest in Freetown.
The Head Coach of the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association, Mr. Edward Alvin Bangura is also a renowned youth activist. Prior to the incident, it was alleged that, Mr. Edward Alvin Bangura was well known for criticizing His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s government.
According to our source that preferred anonymity, disclosed to this medium that on the day of the incident, the Head Coach of the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association, went for his normal training at Makawago Hall. He added that after the training exercise, Mr. Edward Alvin Bangura and his colleagues were on their way going home when suddenly they met group of protesters demonstrating for the high cost of goods and services in the country. He further told this medium that, during that process a truck of police officers stormed at the scene and started firing teargas canister to disperse the crowd. He went on to say that, during that process, the protesters went on the rampage and started pelting stones on the police officers. Suddenly, he said that the police officers started firing live bullets. Unfortunately, he told this medium that two of Mr. Edward Alvin Bangura’s friends and five others were killed.
Our source alleged that, this got Mr. Edward Alvin Bangura infuriated and prevailed on the police officers to stop. He further stated that, this prompted one of the police officers to order the arrest of Mr. Edward Alvin Bangura claiming that, he is inciting the protesters.
Our Source also alledged that the truck of police officers stormed the residence of Mr. Edward Alvin Bangura and started firing live bullets and in the process they killed one of the Aunties of Mr. Edward Alvin Bangura, adding that, the corpse of the late woman has been taken to the Connaught Mortuary in Freetown.
The report of the Sierra Leone Police states: six (6) Police Officers were killed nationwide, four (4) Police Officers were injured, 113 suspects were arrested, scores of public and private properties were destroyed and thirteen (13) civilians were killed.
“Following violent protests and demonstrations in parts of the Western Area (Rural and Urban), North-East and North West Regions on Wednesday August 10, 2022, the Media and Public Relations Department of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is taking the pains to release a preliminary report of available records, in respect of fatalities and injuries sustained by personnel and also government and police property destroyed during the violent protests and demonstrations,” SLP stated. The Police also declared the Head Coach of Sierra Leone Wrestling Association and others wanted.
All efforts made to reach out to the Head Coach of the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association have proven futile.
