NEWS BRIEFS ARE REPORTS CULLED FROM OTHER LOCAL NEWSPAPERS AND BROUGHT ONLINE FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR READERS. THIS MEDIUM DOES NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THE CONTENTS BELOW

Mother Allegedly Abandons Dead Baby

Local tabloids have alleged that, a two months old baby was found dead and abandoned at the Congo Market Bridge in Freetown. According to reports, the baby was allegedly abandoned by its mother during a heavy down pour of rain. Reports say youth who discovered the baby disclosed that, it has become habitual for lactating mothers to throw their dead babies beneath the bridge.

Big Boost for Kailahun, Kono and Magburaka

The Minister of Health and Sanitation, a team of medical professionals from UNICEF and other stakeholders in the medical sector, are reported to have concluded inspection site visits at Kono, Kailahun and Magburaka. According to reports, the purposes of the visits were to access the ongoing construction projects of ultra-modern Pediatric and Maternity Medical Centers in the three districts headquarter towns. Reports say the minister has revealed that her government places premium on health.

9 Armed Robbers Sent to Prison

Reports have it that, Magistrate Komba Kamanda of Freetown Court No.2, recently sent nine armed robbers on remand at the Pademba Road Prisons in Freetown. According to reports, the robbers were recently arrested by police along the Freetown/Masiaka Highway. They were reported to have been charged for robbery with aggravation after being caught in possession of weapons and a large volume of both local and foreign currencies robbed off peaceful citizens.

New Land Tenure Policy Soon Out

Lands and Country Planning Minister, Captain Allieu Pat Sowe, has reportedly disclosed that his ministry is working on a new land tenure policy that would be completed and introduced soon. According to reports, the policy is being developed by both Sierra Leoneans and some foreign experts. The policy, according to reports, will address current challenges faced by people especially women to acquire land in Sierra Leone.

Trade Minister Donates Rice

Newspaper reports say the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Richard Konteh, recently donated 100 bags of rice to communities in the east end of Freetown. Reports say beneficiaries include Quarry, Brima Lane, Grassfield, Peacock Farm and Wellington communities respectively. According to reports, the minister called on the beneficiaries to use the rice judiciously and ensure they take care of the suffering and under-privileged people in the various communities. The minister reportedly stated that the donation is part of his government’s desire to improve the lives of the people.

1,000 Pilgrims Set for 2012 Hajj

A senior member of the National Hajj Coordinating Committee, Alhaji Mohamed S. Kargbo, has reportedly revealed that, one thousand pilgrims are already sat to perform this year’s pilgrimage (Hajj) in the holy land of Saudi Arabia. Reports say this is a significant improvement as compared to the 753 pilgrims who performed last year’s Hajj. According to reports, the Saudi authorities in collaboration with other Sierra Leoneans in that country are currently preparing accommodations for the pilgrims prior to their coming.

Cold Storage (SLBC) Launches New Product

Newspaper reports say the Sierra Leone Bottling Company (SLBC) aka Cold Storage, on Saturday 2nd June 2012, officially launched a new brand of Fanta product, ‘Fanta Flavor/Fanta Lemon’ in Freetown. According to reports, the product was officially launched by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Richard Konteh, who was reported to have commended the company for bringing such a new product into the country.

Ritual Murder at Kabala

Local tabloid reports say police personnel attached to the Kabala Police Division, are currently investigating the case of an alleged ritual murder involving one Finah Kemah of Kamkabai Village and some unknown persons. Reports say the mortal remain of Finah was discovered on 11th March this year at a nearby stream in Wankakoh Village in Kabala.