POLICE INVESTIGATE ALLEGED HOMICIDE OF CONNAUGHT HOSPITAL MATRON IN FREETOWN
By Fatmata Lebbie
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) are investigating the alleged killing of Catherine Valentina Kamanda, a senior matron at Connaught Hospital and lecturer at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), who was found dead at her residence in Goderich.
Police say the incident occurred between 11:00 p.m. on February 8 and midnight at her home, No. 5 Kamanda Drive, Peninsula, Freetown.
In a statement, the SLP confirmed that Goodluck Nicol, 16, identified as the adopted son of the deceased, has been taken into custody in connection with the death. According to preliminary findings, the teenager allegedly confessed to striking Ms. Kamanda on the head with a pestle. He is currently assisting police with the on-going investigation.
Authorities clarified that the incident was not a robbery, dismissing earlier public speculation. Investigators say the matter remains under active review and that additional details will be released as inquiries continue.
The Police extended condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of Ms. Kamanda, describe the incident as tragic. They also urged members of the public to remain calm and to support the investigation by providing any relevant information to the nearest police station.
Ms. Kamanda was widely known in Sierra Leone’s medical community for her service at Connaught Hospital and her role in training future healthcare professionals at COMAHS.
The investigation is on-going.
