By Kandeh Sesay
Tension has gripped the mabessneh community at Lunsar in the Northern, part of SierraLeone, following reports that two men accused of engaging in same-sex activity have gone into hiding after violent attacks from community members.
According to reports gathered by this medium, on wenesday January 11th 2023, community stakeholders and youths of Lunsar township lead by one Ibrahim mansaray, resident of the community, that on Tuesday 10th, January 2023, at the family support unit, that Morlai Kamara, 23, and Mohamed Bangura, 26, whose photosgraphs and warrant of arrest No.2415/2023 appears above were accused of engaging in homosexual activity inside Bangura’s room.
Eyewitnesses alleged that a resident, Ibrahim Mansaray, was passing by when he saw the two men in a compromising position and raised an alarm. The alarm attracted other residents, who rushed to the scene and reportedly assaulted the pair. During the commotion, Kamara reportedly managed to escape, while Bangura was severely beaten by irate youths using sticks and other objects before police intervention, but he later escaped from the hands of the police officers.
The following morning, Wednesday, January 11, 2023, community elders and family members of both men reported the matter to the police.
Statements were obtained from witnesses, and a team of officers — including the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) — was dispatched to the location onboard police vehicle SLP 215. However, both suspects had already fled the community.
Police sources later confirmed that the men’s could not be found and were believed to have gone into hiding. Investigations revealed that Kamara might have crossed into neighbouring Guinea, while Bangura’s whereabouts remain unknown. The Sierra Leone Police have since declared both men wanted for questioning in connection with the alleged offence of homosexuality, which remains illegal under Sierra Leonean law.
Family sources disclosed that Kamara, a student, faced threats and harassment from relatives and community members following the incident. His mother, Mrs. Doris Sesay, reportedly, told community leaders she was shocked and distressed by the allegations, insisting her son had never displayed such behaviour in the past.
Kamara hails from a devout Muslim family. His late father, Sheikh Nabie Musa Kamara, was a former stakeholder of the Shell community in Freetown, where he used to lead sometimes prayer in the community mosque.
Relatives expressed disappointment, saying the situation has brought shame to a family known for its strong religious values.
Sources further revealed that Kamara had earlier been sent to murialdo secondary boarding school in Lunsar by his mother, who feared the rising criminal activities and gang violence in the Shell New Road community in Freetown, While in school, Kamara reportedly faced bullying and harassment from peers, which allegedly influenced his involvement with Bangura.
According to reports, when school authorities discovered their relationship, they contacted Kamara’s mother. During a phone conversation, Mrs. Sesay allegedly told her son that he had “brought shame to the family” and that the matter would be handed over to the police.
Before officers could arrive, Kamara reportedly escaped from the school, fearing torture and persecution.
Mrs. Sesay is also said to have gone into hiding after receiving threats from some community members accusing her of “giving birth to a cursed child.”
Meanwhile, residents of the community expressed anger over the incident, claiming it goes against their moral and religious beliefs. Some reportedly vowed to continue searching for the two men.
Police have since warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that all allegations must be investigated in accordance with due process.
Homosexual acts remain criminalized in Sierra Leone under national law, carrying severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment with hard labour.
