By ophaniel.gooding@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Providence International High School is in shock and despair following the brutal murder of one of their own, Eugene Johnson. The motive behind the horrific act remains unknown, but residents of 56 Victoria Street are still reeling from the heinous crime.
At around noon on Saturday, an eyewitness revealed that one of Johnson’s pupils whom he takes private lessons went to his residence and committed the crime. The alleged murderer slit Johnson’s throat open and stuck three pens, two blue and one red, lodged in the wound. Pictures circulating on social media reveal the gruesome details of the crime.
Mansaray, a neighbour residing at the same address, provided further insight into the incident. He shared that Mr. Johnson had sent someone to buy him food while he waited. The alleged murderer Mohamed Conteh aka Medo Mix came into the compound and asked to use the toilet to pee. Mansaray directed him to the back of the bathroom drainage. Afterward, the boy went to Mr. Johnson’s residence, where the crime was committed.
“I did not hear any unusual sound because I was in my apartment,” Mansaray said.
According to Mansaray, the alleged murderer changed his blood-stained clothes and left the scene, but he later reported himself to the police, and he is currently in custody.
Speculation as to what might have driven the alleged suspect to commit the heinous act surfaced, as Mansaray disclosed that the suspect has been a problem child. He allegedly stole Mr. Johnson’s Bluetooth speaker during one of his private lessons at his residence, but Mr. Johnson was able to retrieve it and shamed him in school. Furthermore, Mr. Johnson reported to the alleged suspect’s parents that he had not been paying his complete lesson fees. Despite these occurrences, the parents pleaded with Mr. Johnson to continue to help their son and groom him.
Crimes Officer John MK Kamara of the Westend Police Station confirmed that they were handling the investigation of Mr. Johnson’s murder. Due to the tension at the station caused by a swarm of agitated and emotionally charged people, they transferred the case to the Criminal Investigations Department at Pademba Road. The case is now being investigated by Inspector Vangahun at the CID Homicide Division, where the alleged suspect is in custody.
The community is left in shock and fear following this horrific act, and they are calling for justice for Mr. Johnson. The motive behind this heinous crime remains a mystery. OG/14/3/2023