Police Records Nearly 2,000 Child Sexual Penetration Cases in 2025 Crime Report

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has reported nearly 2,000 cases of sexual penetration involving children in 2025, highlighting a worrying trend in offences against vulnerable minors across the country.

According to the police annual crime statistics, the SLP recorded 34,066 criminal and road traffic offences during the year. Crime remained largely concentrated in urban and semi-urban areas, with the Western Area accounting for approximately 59 percent of all reported cases. The Freetown East Region recorded 11,603 offences, while the Freetown West Region reported 8,487 cases.

Offences against women and children dominated the national crime profile, totaling 15,188 cases, representing 44.6 percent of all recorded crimes. Other major categories included property-related offences (6,848 cases), economic offences (4,469 cases), and offences against the person (3,956 cases). Police also recorded 2,071 road traffic accidents during the year.

The Family Support Unit (FSU) investigated 1,946 cases of sexual penetration of a child, an increase from 1,520 cases recorded in 2024. Of these cases, 133 were charged to court, 138 were referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, five were closed, and 83 were kept in view, while 1,587 cases remain under investigation, reflecting the sensitive and complex nature of such crimes.

Other offences also saw increases in 2025, including domestic violence with 12,301 cases, assault with 2,133 cases, and robbery with 151 cases. Police further recorded 448 drug-related offences, with unlawful possession of Kush identified as the most common drug offence.

Out of the 34,066 cases reported, 6,314 were forwarded to Magistrate Courts, 614 were committed to the High Court, and 389 resulted in convictions, either through fines or imprisonment.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Brima Kamara emphasized the SLP’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and improved public service. He noted that the institution is continuing its transition from a traditional policing force to a service-oriented model aimed at strengthening accountability and public trust.

The 2025 crime statistics report provides a comprehensive overview of national crime trends and is expected to guide policing strategies and crime-prevention efforts across Sierra Leone.