By Thaimu T. Kamara
The Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kambia Police Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Sao Vandy, has intensified efforts to strengthen safety and security at Rokupr Wharf following a fatal road traffic accident that claimed two lives earlier this month.
On Friday, 9 January 2026, CSP Vandy led a high-level assessment of the wharf, revisiting the exact scene of the incident as part of a broader security review by the Sierra Leone Police. The visit followed a tragic accident on Thursday, 8 January 2026, at about 5:30 p.m., when a Renault van, registration number RC-6065, reportedly lost control and plunged into the Great Scarcies River.
According to police accounts, the vehicle was driven by Saidu Kamara of No. 4 Bonka Section, Kambia II, and had three passengers on board at the time of the crash. Two male passengers Amadu Conteh and Gbessay Sesay, both residents of Kamranka Village were later retrieved from the submerged vehicle and pronounced dead. The driver survived the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Arriving at the wharf at exactly 10:00 a.m. on Friday, CSP Vandy led a rapid response patrol team and engaged a cross-section of stakeholders, including traders, bike riders, marine officers, and transport operators. During the engagement, he underscored the urgent need for order and discipline within the wharf environment, stressing that indiscriminate parking and trading near boat docking areas pose serious risks to both road and river users.
The LUC warned that all designated parking spaces must be kept clear at all times to prevent similar tragedies. He further instructed marine officers to strictly enforce safety standards, particularly the availability and compulsory use of life jackets for passengers travelling by boat. According to him, preventive safety measures remain the most effective way to reduce accidents and loss of life along riverine transport routes.
CSP Vandy also called on traders and transport operators to respect wharf regulations, maintain peace, and cooperate fully with law enforcement. He urged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious movements or security-related concerns to the police, emphasizing that community collaboration is key to effective policing.
Beyond Rokupr Wharf, the police chief extended the operation to nearby communities. Patrols and surveillance were conducted in Bamio Luma and along Massama Road, including a known hideout area commonly referred to as Banga Farm. During the operation, CSP Vandy issued a stern warning against the clandestine sale and consumption of illicit and harmful drugs such as tramadol, cannabis sativa, and cocaine, which he described as a growing threat to public safety and youth development.
Reaffirming the commitment of the police to protect lives and property, CSP Vandy assured residents of sustained vigilance and continuous support in the fight against crime. He emphasized that security operations will remain active across the Kambia District, as the police work to prevent accidents, curb criminal activities, and restore public confidence in safety along major transport corridors.