An investigation has uncovered a shocking incident at the Sierra Leone National Stadium in Brookfields, Freetown, where a security guard was brutally attacked by foreign workers employed by the General Construction and Industrial Group of China (GCIGC). The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, January 26, 2024, around 1:00 AM, left the victim, Mr. William Gray, severely injured and lying in a pool of blood.
According to Mr. Gray, he was on night duty, overseeing security at the stadium renovation site. Between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM, he conducted a routine patrol and noticed a company machine lying on the ground. Concerned for its safety, he decided to move it to a more secure location. As he returned to his post, he encountered several foreign workers, some of whom appeared to be intoxicated after coming from a nearby club. Without warning or questioning, one of them allegedly picked up a shovel and struck Mr. Gray on the head, knocking him to the ground. The group then proceeded to beat him mercilessly, leaving him nearly unconscious.
“They beat me mercilessly, leaving me helpless on the ground, half dead,” Mr. Gray recounted. His colleagues later arrived at the scene and assisted him.
Responding to the incident, Mr. Alfred Tucker, Deputy Manager of GCIGC, confirmed that he received a distress call early that morning while preparing for church. Upon arrival, he was informed that Mr. Gray had been attacked by foreign workers, who accused him of attempting to steal from the company.
Mr. Tucker acknowledged that Mr. Gray had sustained injuries, including a head wound. However, he stated that he was still gathering facts about the incident, as he was not present when it occurred.
A visit to the crime scene revealed bloodstains scattered across the compound, providing clear evidence of the violent assault.
This attack raises serious concerns about the treatment of local workers and the behavior of foreign employees on major construction projects in Sierra Leone, particularly at GCIGC. Allegations have also surfaced that GCIGC has failed to pay National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) contributions and other entitlements for local staff, treating them as casual workers and paying them below the government-mandated minimum wage.
Given the severity of this incident, this medium is calling on President Julius Maada Bio, the Parliamentary Committee on Labour, the Ministry of Labour, the Sierra Leone Police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, civil society organizations, and all relevant authorities to take urgent action. Justice must be served, and measures must be implemented to prevent such inhumane treatment of local workers by foreign companies operating in Sierra Leone.
