Community Erupts After Alleged Same-Sex Relationship Discovery in Gbawuria – Fatal Clashes, Multiple Injuries, Arrests and Cross-Border Escape Rock Koinadugu District
By Staff Reporter
GBAWURIA, KABALA, KOINADUGU DISTRICT — DECEMBER 2019 — A quiet community in northern Sierra Leone was plunged into chaos, violence and tragedy after allegations emerged that two men had been discovered engaging in a same-sex relationship, triggering a chain of events that left one woman dead, several people injured, multiple arrests made and two men fleeing for their lives.
The incident, which shocked residents across Kabala and surrounding communities, reportedly began on the evening of Saturday, 7 December 2019, when a woman identified as Isatu Marah allegedly discovered her husband, Lansana Martin Marah, in the company of another man, Yembeh Mansaray, inside their residence in Gbawuria.
According to information later provided to police, the allegation quickly spread throughout the community, drawing the attention of residents and provoking widespread outrage among sections of the population.
Crowds Gather as Rumours Spread
Witnesses reported that within a short period, large crowds had gathered near the residence after word circulated about the alleged incident.
Residents stated that emotions ran high as community members discussed the allegations. What began as a local dispute soon escalated into a volatile public confrontation.
Several eyewitnesses alleged that groups of youths began pursuing the two men through the community. During the pursuit, the men were reportedly attacked with sticks, stones and other objects as crowds continued to grow.
According to accounts gathered from local residents, Lansana Martin Marah managed to escape from the scene, while Yembeh Mansaray allegedly sustained injuries and was unable to flee immediately.
The situation rapidly deteriorated as tensions spread beyond the original allegations.
Family Confrontation Turns Deadly
As confusion and anger intensified, members of both families reportedly became involved in a confrontation.
Witnesses claimed that Sundu Marah, the younger sister of Lansana Martin Marah, became embroiled in an altercation involving relatives of Isatu Marah.
Accounts from residents indicate that during the confrontation, Sundu allegedly struck one of Isatu Marah’s relatives with a stick.
The incident reportedly triggered a violent retaliation.
In the ensuing melee, Sundu Marah allegedly suffered severe injuries, including wounds to her neck, face and shoulder.
Community members rushed her to a medical facility for treatment, but despite efforts by health personnel, she later died from her injuries.
Her death transformed what had begun as allegations of a private matter into a homicide investigation.
Police Launch Investigation
On 8 December 2019, Isatu Marah, accompanied by her parents, formally reported the matter to the police.
Investigators immediately began gathering evidence and recording witness statements.
Police subsequently dispatched officers, including personnel from the Scene of Crime Office (SOCO), to inspect the location and collect information relevant to the investigation.
By the time law enforcement officers arrived, however, both Lansana Martin Marah and Yembeh Mansaray had reportedly disappeared from the area.
Authorities later indicated that efforts were made to locate the two men through relatives and community contacts, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
Arrests Made
According to reports from the community, several individuals were identified by witnesses as having allegedly participated in the violence that led to the death of Sundu Marah.
Residents named Lamina, John S. Sesay, Mrs. Makuta, and Salifu among persons allegedly seen at the scene during the early stages of the assault before larger crowds joined.
Police reportedly arrested the individuals as part of investigations into the violence and the circumstances surrounding the fatal injuries sustained by Sundu Marah.
Authorities continued interviewing witnesses and collecting statements as they sought to establish individual responsibilities during the disturbances.
Cross-Border Escape Alleged
On 12 December 2019, police intensified efforts to trace the whereabouts of Lansana Martin Marah and Yembeh Mansaray.
Community members reportedly informed investigators that Lansana Martin Marah had crossed into neighbouring Guinea shortly after the incident.
The whereabouts of Yembeh Mansaray remained uncertain.
Police subsequently declared both men wanted for questioning and sought information from the public that could assist investigators in locating them.
At the time, Sierra Leone’s laws criminalized same-sex sexual activity, and authorities reportedly obtained warrants connected to allegations relating to homosexuality while simultaneously investigating the violence, injuries and death arising from the incident.
The events sent shockwaves throughout Kabala and surrounding communities, generating intense public debate and concern.
Residents described an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the aftermath of the violence, particularly following the death of Sundu Marah and reports that several individuals had fled the area.
Community leaders reportedly appealed for calm as police investigations continued.
A Tragic Reminder
The Gbawuria incident became one of the most widely discussed episodes in the district during that period, drawing attention to the dangers of mob justice, community violence and retaliatory attacks arising from allegations concerning sexual orientation and same-sex relationships.
What began as an allegation inside a family home ultimately spiralled into a tragedy involving serious injuries, loss of life, arrests and the displacement of individuals, leaving lasting scars on families and the wider community.
Investigations into the violence and the death continued as authorities sought to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
