Operations to deal with the illicit brews in Mathira, have been sabotaged by the presence of gangs targeting the administrators. The concerns over crackdown on fighting on illicit brews, have emerged following a report that four chiefs were attacked by goons during an operation.
Attacks on the chiefs, the National Police Service (NPS) have been criticised by the locals over allegedly neglecting the fight on illicit brew. Peter Kamara, a resident of Karatina, said those fighting the illicit brews have been under the threat, and need protection from the law enforcers.
Kamara said it was unfortunate that many of the bars that were ordered closed by the government, were back in operation despite the regulations. On Saturday night four chiefs were attacked by thugs as they were in line of duty in the crime prone Giakaibei market.
The incident happened as the administrators were planning to raid a liquor outlet allegedly operating illegally. “Interestingly the local police officers who were assigned to accompany the administrators in the operations failed to show up,” said Kamara.
Mathira East deputy police commander Mr Benjamin Bowen said the matter was under investigations. ” We are investigating the matter seeking to arrest the culprits,” said Bowen.