May 17, 2017 By Joseph S. Margai
LUC Superintendent Eric Musa
Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Rutile Police Division, Superintendent Eric Musa, has told Concord Times that bulk of reports being received by his division were armed robbery cases.
He was responding to an exclusive interview last Saturday at his Rutile Police station, Moriba Town in Bonthe district, where he noted that his operational area covers three chiefdoms including Imperi in Bonthe district and Lower Banta and Upper Banta chiefdoms in the Moyamba district.
Superintendent Musa said because of the frequent complaints of armed robbery in the area; he brought together stakeholders from various organizations including Motor Drivers Union, Commercial Motor Bike Riders Unions, Traders Union and Chiefs, so as to put mechanisms in place and combat the menace.
“In that meeting, people expressed worries over the rampant incidents of theft especially armed robbery. They also urged police to be patrolling at night because they were having sleepless night due to the spate of armed robbery,” he said.
“We started mounting checkpoints within the Division and began interrogating anyone seen during odd hours. We established Community Safety Volunteers (CSVs) and some youth volunteered to support Police in protecting communities.”
He said as a result of their robust action in curbing the menace within the area, people were now enjoying sound sleep at night.
“Our concern now has been the need to continue using volunteer youth to support the police, as they have been requesting for incentives. Police alone cannot do it all. If we want to continue this partnership with the community, we should find a way to motivate the CSVs,” he said.
Superintendent Musa stated that Vimetco Mining Company has been supporting the Police with fuel to enable them undertake day and night patrols, while Sierra Rutile has not done anything in relation to supporting the Police because, “The officials have been saying they now have new management under a new company called Iluka which has just taken over from Sierra Rutile.”