A personnel of the Joint Presidential Guard Force, Staff Sergeant Barrie a was stabbed to death at Davies Drive, Hill Station in Freetown on May 17, 2022, and his killer is helping the police with the investigation, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Monday.
The statement came following rumour on social media alleging that the soldier was shot and killed at the Presidential Lodge because he made statement regarding delay in supply of take home rice for the month of May. Defence Ministry described the rumour as false and misleading.
“On 17th May 2022 a civilian residing at No 49 Davies Drive, Hill Station, made a destress call to Staff Sergeant Barrie and Sergeant Tucker (close friends of his), requesting for assistance to contain the unruly behaviour of his son. The two soldiers immediately arrived at the premises unarmed. Whilst the soldiers were both attentively listening to him, his son unexpectedly appeared with a knife and stabbed both Sergeant Tucker and Staff Sergeant Barrie,” the Defence Ministry said in the statement.
The two soldiers were immediately taken to the 34 Military Hospital at Wilberforce Barracks. Unfortunately, Staff Sergeant Barrie died moment later whilst Sergeant Tucker is till responding to treatment.
The suspect was arrested on the same day and handed over to the police for investigation.
The Defence Ministry said spreading such a false rumour has the potential to incite soldiers which may affect the peace and security of the Country. “It is therefore advised that citizens should avoid publishing or spreading false messages on social media that are inciting and misleading to soldiers.”
The Ministry of Defence unequivocally condemns the stabbing of serving personnel and sympathizes with the bereaved family.
By Sallieu S. Kanu