By Ragan M. Conteh
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Member of Parliament representing Constituency 008, Hon. Wuyata Songai, has stated in the Well of Parliament that something must be urgently done regarding rape. She added that, because the issue of rape has become rampant, rapists must be fired to death in order to send a strong example to other would be rapists.
She pointed out that, as women, they want justice for Kadija Saccoh, informing that the justice system in Sierra Leone does not generally favour women. “People are behaving like terrorists; we need this case to be rapidly charged to court. Let us use Kadija’s case to set an example,” she charged.
She also informed of another rape that involves a policeman with a child.
“Rape has become thorny in the country. It must be nipped in the bud this time,” Hon. Hon. Wuyata Songai continued.
The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Abass Chernoh Bundu, has informed that Parliamentarians are disturbed about the tragic death of Kadija.
He however begged international development partners to help government for Forensic Test Lab equipment, which will greatly help in the speedy hearing of rape cases in the country.
The Speaker also begged government to institute a taskforce on rape and gender violence, while urging the Chief Justice to try and conclude the investigation on Kadijah’s case.
Hon. Bundu stated that, few months ago, Parliament passed the Sexual Offenders Act 2019, detailing that it is ironic that rape and sexual assault still remain unchallenged, citing the recent rape, which is sexual assault and murder.
The Speaker however, on behalf of Members of Parliament, emphatically condemned the act and promised to work hard to end rape in the country.