The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone – His Excellency Wang Qing – has handed over quantity of state-of-the-art digital forensic laboratory equipment to the Inspector General of Police – Mr. William Fayia Sellu at the Chinese Embassy, Spur Loop in Freetown on Thursday 16th November, 2023. The equipment were donated by the Chinese Government as part of efforts to boost the capacity of the Sierra Leone Police in fighting crime, especially in collecting and providing scientific evidence in court when investigating and prosecuting lawbreakers.
Speaking during the handing-over, the Chinese Ambassador acknowledged that China and Sierra Leone are all-weather friends with a long history of cooperation in diverse areas, adding that both countries have benefitted tremendously from this relationship. Ambassador Wang Qing continued by applauding the SLP for providing security for the people of Sierra Leone, especially before, during and after the just concluded elections.
Presenting the forensic laboratory equipment to the IGP, Ambassador Wang Qing commended the recent gains made by the SLP in fighting the drug abuse menace in society; emphasing that the state-of-the-earth forensic laboratory will add value to the investigations conducted by the SLP. He expressed hope that the equipment would be well utilised and that a training team will soon arrive in Sierra Leone to deliver training on their use. He further informed that various Software and Hardware kits will be provided to support the laboratory as the Chinese Government is ready to support the capacity building efforts of the SLP for effective and efficient service delivery. The Ambassador recalled the recent study tour of twenty five SLP personnel at Shandong Police College as a clear manifestation of China’s commitment in strengthening the SLP to meet the challenges of fighting crime and the fear of crime in Sierra Leone.
Responding, the IGP thanked His Excellency Wang Qing for all their interventions in the SLP some of which included the construction of Police Headquarters, funding the construction of the Freetown-East Regional Headquarters at Ross Road, the study tour and other opportunities extended to police personnel, among others. He pledged the SLP’s continued support to the Chinese Embassy and called on the Ambassador to count on the organisation as a strategic partner. In closing, the Inspector of Police said he looks forward to cementing a future-strong cooperation with the Chinese Embassy, so as to make the SLP better.
The signing and exchange of certificates formed high point of the ceremony.
