A tragic incident has shaken Freetown after a young man, Joshua Mansaray, lost his life following a violent attack by a group of motorbike riders.
According to accounts from people familiar with the events, Joshua had earlier gone to the Youyi Building, where he performed with a live band. After finishing his performance, he began his journey home. He met a packed Okada, on which he casually sat. Some bike riders allegedly mistook Joshua for a thief; witnesses say panic quickly spread. Fearing for his safety, Joshua reportedly ran for his life. Instead of being protected or questioned, he was chased.
The chase ended in violence.
Joshua was caught and brutally beaten by the group. The injuries he suffered were severe. Sadly, he later died from the attack, turning a night that began with live band performance and normal life into one of deep sorrow.
However, the killing of Joshua Mansaray has caused a lot of furor, particularly among the youth and family members in Freetown, who wonder how a culture of mob justice, where a citizen can be attacked without proof, investigation, or even the presence of law enforcement, has taken hold.
Concerns that come out of this incident involve public safety, the issue of violence resulting from fears, as well as the loss of lives due to false accusatory claims. Another layer is the danger faced by common citizens; one moment you’re the victim, the next you’re the assailant.
Joshua was a talented young man with a purpose in life. His life came to an end as a result of a mistake that had never been verified, rather than as a result of a crime he had committed.
Read Also: Former UBA Operations Head Jailed for Misappropriating Public Funds
Justice and peace are being called for along with the strengthening of the role of the law enforcement officers; thus, a citizen should report suspicions to the police rather than taking the law into their own hands.
