By Prince J Musa in Kenema
Five persons are in police custody for an alleged theft of Electricity Distribution Supply Authority’s (EDSA) Cables and other items, which according to the Police Media officer in Kenema, Inspector Prince Bernard Jaygboi Kamara, were meant for TRANSCO West African Power Pool Project.
Kamara stated that the suspects were arrested on the 21st September 2023 after they received intelligence that certain people had invaded one of EDSA’s warehouses. He said they collaborated with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) for the operation.
The Inspector stated that when they arrived at the location, they met the thieves there, arrested them and took them to the Police Station alongside the exhibits.
Explaining details of the investigation, Kamara stated that aside from those arrested at the scene, three other people were arrested and taken to the station for investigation, but stated that after interrogating all of them, two were released but five remain in police custody.
Kamara explained that the thieves destroyed the back door and gained access into the warehouse where they cut the cables. He further explained that one of the suspects in their custody was the security guard who according to the officer was from the community.
Kamara explained that the Police will continue to emphatically state that any individual caught destroying state property will be investigated and charged to court without any compromise.
Kenema station’s EDSA Area Manager Lamin Samura explained that the thieves vandalized the electrical cables, an act that he said is a big loss to the country.
He disclosed that the property stolen included aluminum conductors which according to him were materials reserved for the TRANSCO West African Power Pool Project that provides electricity to the neighbouring countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. He expressed disappointment over the action of the thieves.
The Engineer stated that it is a concern for which they have called on the forces to support them with spot-checking in order to prevent a recurrence.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (25/09/23)
