By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – January 26, 2026 – Grief and outrage have engulfed the Mansaray family following the death of 24-year-old Joshua Mansaray, a recent university graduate who was brutally beaten to death by a mob after being wrongly accused of theft on Saturday evening, January 24, 2026.
Joshua, who graduated in November 2025, was attacked at Lodge about 100 meters from the OSD Headquarters in Freetown. According to his elder brother, Samuel Mansaray, the family learned of the incident in the early hours of Sunday after receiving a distress call.
Samuel recounted rushing to the scene on a motorbike, only to find his brother severely beaten and barely alive. “He was almost dead when I got there,” Samuel said. “We rushed him to the 34 Military Hospital, but the doctors confirmed he had passed away.”
The family reported the matter to the police before taking Joshua’s body to the mortuary. They were referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, where statements were taken. His remains were later taken to the 34 Military Hospital.
Explaining how the tragedy unfolded, Samuel said Joshua had parked his motorbike and asked bystanders to watch it while he went to buy something. On his return, someone shouted “thief,” sparking a violent mob attack. In desperation, Joshua ran toward a nearby police station and called his father for help, but according to the family, no immediate action was taken.
Police have since arrested more than eight suspects, identified with the help of commercial bike riders in the area. The Mansaray family insists that Joshua was innocent and demanded justice. “Our brother was not a bad person. He had just graduated and was trying to build his life. We want justice for Joshua,” Samuel said emotionally.
The incident, which occurred just 80 meters from a police checkpoint, has reignited public concern over mob justice in Sierra Leone—a practice that continues to claim innocent lives and erode public trust in law enforcement.
The family has raised serious questions about police conduct on the night of the attack:
- Failure of Duty: Why did officers at the Lodge checkpoint fail to protect a citizen running for his life?
- Accountability: What disciplinary actions will be taken against officers on duty that night?
- Comprehensive Investigation: Will all perpetrators, including bystanders, shop owners, and market women who witnessed the attack, be held accountable?
As of this report, the Sierra Leone Police have not issued an official statement. The Mansaray family, however, vows to continue pressing for justice, declaring: “Joshua is gone, but his blood is demanding answers.”