Mac-P Operation in mass extortion

The streets of Freetown are now deserted at night by plying vehicle not because of fear of insecurity, but mass police extortion that has been heaved on them since the institution of the Military Aid to Civil Rule-MAC-P by President Ernest Koroma.

Several commercial drivers who spoke to Sierra Express Media reveal they paid the obligatory fee with the understanding that they will not be searched whenever they arrive at a check point.

“We have started the same system of handing over money to the security team, the police no longer search at the check point, they instead charge monies from drives if they must let them pass,” one driver said.

Alie Kamara, a driver plying the Hill Cut Road said he was asked by the security forces to pay the minimum ofÂ Le 3,000 at every check point or risk passing the night there. “That is why some drivers decided not to run at night anymore because they end up spending all their money on the police and military patrol team.

“I believe these guys were asked to conduct checks but now it seems their mandate has changed into asking for money,” Kamara said.

Notorious in this act according to Brima Sanu a taxi driver is the Christ Church Circular Road junction, Saint John, Eastern Police and Hill Cut Road in the West of Freetown.

A 65 years old driver Mr. Momodu Barrie speaking in desperation said he paid at 6 check points before he arrived at PZ from Lumley and that the time was not that late.

“I have no problem with them. They are doing their job, but taking money from us in this manner is very evil,” Mr. Sanu said.

If only the police are continuing like this, the security situation could degenerate. “You see, we help a lot in the transportation of people who want to be conveyed to the safety of their homes but if we are been coerced out of the street, the police may as well be sending an ugly message about the present security situation,” he said.

Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!