By Mohamed Vandi in Kenema

Police in Kenema are investigating the Mayor and the  Kenema district council chairman, both of the SLPP party, suspected of being behind the July 23 violent attacks on the offices of PMDC, a potent splinter group.

The criminal investigations department (CID) Friday summoned newly elected Mayor Chief Brima Kargbo and Chairman Patrick Samu for allegedly inciting rallying party supporters to attack a rival party office on Dama Road and assault its supporters.

Detective police constable Alie Bangura disclosed that the Mayor and Chairman, believed to be at the vanguard of the attacks, have made statements regarding the matter brought against them by supporters of PMDC.

“This is a political matter, therefore after investigations we will send the file to the state council for advice,” he said adding both chief Kargbo and Samu have denied the allegations.

“In their statements the two personalities denied being part of any group that allegedly attacked the PMDC,” he said.

When contacted, the publicity secretary of PMDC in the eastern region David Kaikula Sama said his party was peaceful therefore the police should treat the report against the SLPP with care.

“We are prepared to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion,” he promised.

Secretary general of SLPP in Kenema Ato Koroma said allegations levied against their supporters were baseless because the two leaders were not part of the procession on the day of the alleged incident.