Commentary:Â By Marcus Bangura
The untimely and tragic death of Alie Thullah, a third-year student at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), has sent shockwaves throughout Freetown. Thullah, a young technician known for his expertise in satellite installation and electrical work, was found dead on October 1, 2024, inside the HBS H. Baydon & Sons business premises on Wilberforce Street in the heart of Freetown’s Central Business District. The circumstances surrounding his death have ignited a storm of public outrage, protests, and mounting calls for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
The Incident
Reports about the exact nature of Thullah’s death remain unclear and conflicting, further deepening the public’s frustration. According to initial accounts, Thullah had been hired by the business manager, Mahei Baydon, to install a satellite dish and resolve other technical issues at the business establishment on Monday, September 30, 2024. He had worked throughout the day but, for reasons that remain unknown, was reportedly locked inside the premises overnight. The following morning, his lifeless body was discovered, sparking widespread anger and suspicion about how and why such a tragic incident could have occurred.
Thullah was well-known in the community as a competent technician, and his expertise had made him a trusted professional for Baydon’s business over the years. The two reportedly had a close and cordial working relationship, further complicating the narrative around his death. CCTV footage submitted to the police shows Thullah entering the premises and climbing into the ceiling to carry out the technical work he was hired for. However, after hours of no communication, Baydon reportedly tried to reach him via phone but received no response. Assuming that Thullah had left, Baydon and his staff locked up the store for the night. His body was only discovered the next day, raising questions about whether negligence or foul play was involved.
Public Outcry and Protest
News of Thullah’s death quickly spread, triggering a wave of protests outside the HBS H. Baydon & Sons store. Crowds of angry demonstrators gathered at the site, demanding answers and accountability from the store’s management and authorities. The public outrage is fueled by the mystery surrounding Thullah’s death and the perception that the incident may have been preventable. Protesters are calling for justice for the young technician and for the authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent investigation into the events that led to his untimely demise.
The public’s reaction reflects a deeper concern about workplace safety, accountability, and transparency in Sierra Leone. For many, Thullah’s death symbolizes the dangers faced by workers in various sectors, particularly those working under informal agreements or without clear protections. The fact that a talented young man could lose his life while carrying out his duties has struck a chord with many, prompting a national conversation about worker rights and safety standards.
Conflicting Reports and Unanswered Questions
As the investigation into Thullah’s death unfolds, several key questions remain unanswered. How did a technician, with years of experience and a good working relationship with the business, end up dead inside the premises? Why was he left locked in the building overnight without a check-in from the management? Was there any negligence on the part of the business in ensuring his safety?
The CCTV footage provided by Baydon to the police shows Thullah being led to the ceiling’s manhole, where he began his work. However, this footage does little to explain what happened afterward or what might have caused his death. Without clear answers, speculation has continued to grow, with some suggesting that there may have been a failure in duty of care by the store’s management. Others are considering the possibility of an accident or an unforeseen medical emergency that went unnoticed due to the lack of communication between Thullah and the staff.
Adding to the confusion are reports that Thullah had worked with the business for years and had always been Baydon’s go-to technician for technical issues. This long-standing relationship between the two has led some to believe that the incident was a tragic accident, while others suspect that there may be more to the story. The fact that the store was locked up with Thullah still inside has raised serious concerns about workplace protocols and whether proper safety measures were in place.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
In response to the tragedy, civil society groups, labor advocates, and members of the public have joined the chorus of voices calling for justice for Alie Thullah. The demands for justice are not only about finding out the truth behind his death but also about holding those responsible accountable if any wrongdoing is discovered. Many are urging the authorities to leave no stone unturned in their investigation, emphasizing the need for transparency and thoroughness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Central Police Division in Freetown has confirmed that they are conducting an investigation into the case. They are reportedly analyzing the CCTV footage and gathering statements from witnesses, including Baydon and his staff. However, the public remains skeptical, with many fearing that the investigation may not lead to any real accountability. This scepticism is rooted in a broader frustration with what many perceive as a lack of justice in previous high-profile cases in Sierra Leone.
The Broader Implications
Thullah’s death has opened up a broader conversation about worker safety and the responsibilities of employers in Sierra Leone. While the investigation continues, the incident has drawn attention to the need for stricter safety protocols, particularly for workers in high-risk environments like construction, electrical work, and other technical fields. Civil society groups are advocating for improved regulations and enforcement of safety standards to ensure that tragedies like this do not happen again.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of timely and transparent investigations into workplace-related deaths. The public outcry over Thullah’s death demonstrates that Sierra Leoneans are increasingly unwilling to accept vague or incomplete explanations for such incidents. There is a growing demand for accountability and justice, not only for Thullah’s family but for all workers who risk their lives in their daily jobs.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Alie Thullah at HBS H. Baydon & Sons has left a deep scar on the Freetown community. As protests continue and the investigation unfolds, the public is watching closely, hoping for answers and justice. Thullah’s death is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in ensuring worker safety and accountability. Whether the investigation reveals negligence, foul play, or a tragic accident, one thing is clear: the calls for justice will not go unheard, and the demand for answers continues to grow.
