AYV News, January 21, 2025
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasaralla, accompanied by members of his executive and a delegation from the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL), visited the Waterloo Police Division and the crime scenes to follow up on the killing of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia.
During the visit, the Support Officer, Superintendent Thomas Robyn Mansaray, briefed the delegation on the progress of the investigation. He revealed that four individuals are currently in custody, assisting with the investigation.
Superintendent Mansaray assured the delegation that the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is treating the case with the seriousness it deserves, with the goal of uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.
According to Superintendent Mansaray, the police initially received a report of a missing person in the early hours of Thursday, 16 January 2025. Later, they were alerted to the discovery of an abandoned battered body wrapped in cloth near the perimeter fence of the Waterloo Correctional Centre. The deceased was subsequently identified as Samuel Brima Mattia by family and community members. Based on intelligence, the police invited the Station Manager of VOPAD Radio, Joseph Lamin, along with another individual, for questioning. Further inquiries led to the invitation of two additional staff members from the radio station. The four individuals remain in custody, assisting with the investigation.
SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasaralla underscored the need for a thorough and professional investigation, urging the police to take the necessary time to ensure justice is served. While emphasizing the media’s demand for justice for their late colleague, he also highlighted SLAJ’s interest in the welfare of the detained journalists, who remain key stakeholders in the matter. He reminded the police that they are suspects until a competent court of law finds them guilty. He called on the police to handle the case with professionalism and integrity.
President Nasaralla also appealed to the detained journalists and media workers to cooperate fully with the police, providing any relevant information that could aid the investigation. He assured them that SLAJ is closely monitoring developments in the case.
As part of the visit, the SLAJ and SWASAL delegation, accompanied by police personnel, visited VOPAD Radio before visiting the bereaved family and extended their condolences.
