By Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown, 14th September 2026 – A woman was reportedly killed by an alleged stray bullet during violent clashes between residents of Kroo Town Road and Kossoh Town in Freetown, following a community football match at Parade Field on 12 September. The confrontation, which escalated into stone-throwing and retaliatory attacks, prompted police intervention and left businesses, homes, and public property damaged.
The Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC) has condemned the destruction of its office during the unrest and called for a full investigation.
Zainab Bangura, a trader at Kroo Town Road market, recounted that the violence erupted suddenly as youths hurled stones, forcing traders to flee. She alleged that her relative, who was selling food nearby, was struck by a stray bullet and died instantly.
Bangura said market stalls and residential properties were vandalized, leaving traders fearful of returning. “Many of us depend on daily earnings to survive. Authorities must act to prevent this from happening again,” she appealed.
Mohamed Bobson Senu, Acting Head of Media and Communications for the Sierra Leone Police, confirmed reports of the woman’s death but stressed that investigations were ongoing to determine the actual cause.
He explained that the clashes stemmed from tensions after a football match between the two communities. According to police accounts, a Kossoh Town supporter was attacked during a funeral in Kroo Town Road, sparking retaliation.
“The situation was tense and chaotic. Our immediate priority was restoring calm,” Senu said, adding that no arrests had yet been made.
The Central One Football Association (COFA) has suspended its ongoing community football competition in response to the violence. The Western Area Football Association (WAFA) also urged COFA to halt matches pending investigations.
In a separate statement, SALHOC condemned the attack on its office, which was pelted with stones during the clashes. The corporation said the building was mistakenly targeted as property belonging to an individual known as “Jagaban.”
The incident caused significant damage to the facility, which is undergoing rehabilitation. SALHOC warned that vandalism could undermine public investment in the project and delay completion.
“We call on authorities to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable. Protecting public property is essential to safeguarding national development,” the release stated.
