In the bid to fulfill its mandate of monitoring human rights status in the country, the Western Area Office Acting Director Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone (HRCSL), Tom Sandi over the weekend monitored the Police Stations and Police Posts situated along the Peninsula axis of the Western Area Rural District including Tokeh Police Station, Kent Junction and Kent Village Police Post and the Tombo Police Station.
During the visit he inspected the police cells, made follow ups on Sexual Offense cases and engaged police authorities on challenges they face particularly during the course of investigating Sexual Penetration and Rape matters.
Mr. Sandi observed that of all the places visited, only the Tombo Police Station has a Family Support Unit. As such, Sexual Penetration and related matters in the district were referred to the Adonkia Police Station or the Tombo Police Station.
Inspector Varcel the Line Manager of Tombo Police Post disclosed that cases frequently reported werelarceny, fraudulent conversion, obtaining money with false pretence and Sexual Penetration. He however noted that the main challenge encountered to prosecute sexual penetration was the delay by Rainbo Center to timely release medical examination results.
He appealed to the Human Rights Commission to intervene on their behalf during such situations as this might result to over detention of Sexual Penetration suspect(s) which is a crucial human rights concern.
The Police personnel also highlighted challenges with mobility as well as inadequate supply of stationery to enhance their work.
