17 Suspects in Court After Pendembu Burial Unrest

Seventeen suspects have appeared before the Magistrate Court in Kenema following violent disturbances during the burial ceremony of late Paramount Chief Cyril Foray Gondor II in Pendembu, Kailahun District. The case has since been adjourned.

The unrest, which broke out on Friday, October 16, 2026, allegedly involved the burning of three houses, property theft, and the unauthorized exhumation and removal of the late chief's body from his grave site. 

Eastern Region Police Commander ACP Joe Kamanda Bongay confirmed that security forces later retrieved the body and transferred it to the Government Hospital mortuary in Kenema pending formal reburial.

In response to the incident, joint security personnel from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) launched operations in Pendembu, arresting 62 male suspects. 

To restore order, authorities enforced a 12-hour overnight curfew from Saturday evening to Sunday morning. All custody suspects were transferred to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department East in Kenema for questioning.

Following the initial court appearance of 17 of the suspects, specific charges and the new court date remain undisclosed. 

Meanwhile, police officials addressed the public via local radio to raise awareness on substance abuse and its potential connection to recent violence, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement as heavy security patrols continue in the area.