Fatimata Bangura Narrowly Escapes Lynching By Community Youths
Reports from eastern suburbs of Freetown, state that one Fatimata Bangura, residing at No 15A post office or Congo water, narrowly escaped lynching at the hands of angry youths and community people, after being caught in the act of lesbianism, an illegal act condemned by both religious faiths in the country and an offense against the state.
According to residents in the area, Fatimata Bangura has been seen regularly with her childhood friend, Michealla Thompson which just arrive in town from the United States, but no one had the slightest idea that they were both lesbians. Family members say that they were of the belief that they were simply close friends from school days, and there was so much empathy from family members after Fatimata lost her husband.
They disclosed that Michealla Thompson has been a regular visitor to their house, and would often help Fatimata do her domestic chores.
Family sources disclosed that on September 11, 2023, Fatimata Bangura and her ‘partner in crime’ (as Michealla Thompson was described), were caught making love naked in her room by her cousin, Haja Sesay, who accidentally bumped into the room to collect her phone, which she had left in Fatimata room. Upon entering the room, she discovered both Fatimata and Michealla naked, and shocked by the scene, she raised an alarm, which brought neighbors and area youths to the house.
Haja Sessy told this is that though her phone was in Fatimata room, but her attention was drawn there by the groanings coming from the room. She disclosed that as people stormed the house, Fatimata and Michealla managed to escape through the back door of the house and climbed over the surrounding fence into a nearby bush, where they made good their escape, but not without receiving some heavy blows from the youths. She disclosed that news of Fatimata action quickly spread in the community, reaching the police in the community. A search was mounted by the police to get both Fatimata and Michealla arrested, but to no avail.
Police sources say that they now have a warrant of arrest for both ladies, and were looking for them. They appealed to residents in the area to relay any information about the whereabouts of Fatimata and her partner.
Same sex activities are illegal in Sierra Leone, and condemned by the religious faiths in the country, as well as by traditional people as demonic, and people caught in the act are to be eliminated or handed over to the police. There has been unconfirmed reports of some people caught in the act being taken to traditional priest for cleansing, and these have never been seen or heard from. Even advocates for same sex legalization have not been spared.
As we go to press, the whereabouts of Fatimata or her partner are still unknown.