By Alhaji Ibrahim Kamara
Information gathered by this newspaper have revealed that Mrs. Hawanatu Bangura, a former market women’s leader in the Kissy Market who was based in Kissy New Site in the east of Freetown, is now on the run fearing for the safety of her life after she was declared wanted by the Government on accusation that she had been involved in inciting women, financing and supporting young men and women to take up arms and rise against the Government on 10 August, 2022 in which scores of Sierra Leoneans including six Police Officers were killed, hundreds others wounded, Police Stations and houses burnt down, and properties worth millions of New Leones looted and destroyed.
The reports also state that Hawanatu was also involved in series of meetings where plans were made to rise against the Government and violently overthrow it.
Investigations carried out by this Reporter have revealed that on 10 August this year,
the day of the violent uprising in Freetown, heavily armed Police Officers and Soldiers stormed Mrs. Hawanatu Bangura’s home, shot her fifteen years old son, Joseph Bangura dead, took away her husband and some other family members while Hawanatu went into hiding.
It was also disclosed that since that day Hawanatu’s husband has not returned home nor has he been located in any Police Station in the city.
The community people also explained that five days after the violent incidents of August 10, they were woken up in the early morning hours of 15 August 2022 to the shouts of ‘ fire, fire ‘ as they helplessly witnessed Hawanatu’s house burn down to the ground.
A community member who refused to give his name, explained that Hawanatu has not been seen since then while her husband remains in custody awaiting trial.
He revealed that strange men continue to visit their communty asking for Hawanatu, who they normally refer to as an enemy of the State, threatening that the day they see her or any of her children they will kill all of them.
When this Reporter talked to a Police Officer at the Kissy Police Station regarding the attack and burning down of the house he confirmed that they have received a report of alleged arson which they are investigating.
He also confirmed that Mrs. Hawanatu Bangura is wanted by the Police for subversive activities, incitement, riotous conduct, looting, and arson, crimes for which she will be sentenced to life in prison.
As we were going to press the whereabouts of Hawanatu and
her three remaining children remain unknown while her husband continues to be held in detention awaiting trial.
Meanwhile, the search for Hawanatu continues all over the country with a reward of ten thousand New Leones (Le 10,000.00), ten million Old Leones (Le 10,000,000.00) promised to be given to any body who will give information to the Police that will lead to her arrest.
