By Ibrahim S. Bangura
A pre-primary schoolteacher, Mohamed Fofanah, is in police custody on an allegation of sexually penetrating a six-year-old pupil.
The incident is reported to have occurred on Monday, January 20, 2025, in the Western Area Rural District.
According to the child’s uncle, the girl was using the school’s toilet when Fofanah allegedly entered and sexually assaulted her. “Our daughter came home crying,” the uncle recounted. “When her mother enquired about the cause, the victim initially hesitated to speak, fearing punishment. However, she later confided in her mother about the teacher’s action.”
The uncle said that they immediately went to the school to inform the principal. “At school, the proprietor called his staff and then asked the child to identify the teacher who had sexually abused her. She pointed directly at the teacher,” he explained.
The victim was later taken to the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital where it was confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Waterloo Police Station. The Family Support Unit (FSU) is currently investigating the case. A crime officer at the station confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating, “I am investigating a case of sexual penetration involving a six-year-old child. We have issued medical orders and referred the case to the Rainbow Center. Both the Rainbow Center and the police are conducting joint investigations. The investigation is not yet complete. We will inform you when we have concluded the investigation.”
The victim’s uncle emphasized the need for justice for their daughter. “Such act must not be tolerated in Sierra Leone,” he declared. “We demand that this case be brought to court.”
The suspect is currently in police custody awaiting further investigation.