Freetown, 4th February 2026 – The cause of death of the late Sia Fatu Kamara has been confirmed as manual strangulation, Government Pathologist and Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma, told the High Court today.
Dr. Owizz, presenting the official post-mortem report in the ongoing murder trial of Abdul Kpaka, stated that the findings indicate Sia Fatu Kamara, who served as the Personal Assistant to Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, died following a violent physical assault. The examination revealed visible finger marks on her neck, deep cuts on her lower left lip, fractures to the spinal cord, broken ribs, multiple bruises on her limbs and abdomen, and swelling of the neck. The report also confirmed there were no signs of disease, poison, alcohol, or prior medical treatment that could have contributed to her death.
“The cause of death was manual strangulation resulting from physical assault,” Dr. Owizz told the court, explaining that the autopsy was conducted both externally and internally. The examination was carried out in the presence of Sia Kamara’s elder brother, Police Constable 13164 Turay S., and Inspector Nyakeh Kamara of the Lumley Police Division.
During cross-examination, defense counsel Emmanuel T. Koroma questioned whether embalming at Virtues Funeral Home could have affected the body and influenced the findings. Dr. Owizz dismissed the suggestion, stating that embalming preserves the body but does not create evidence of strangulation. The defense also raised concerns about Sia Kamara’s alleged pre-existing breathing difficulties; Dr. Owizz responded that the autopsy revealed no such condition.
The trial continues to unfold as the defense disputes the post-mortem findings, while the prosecution maintains that the medical evidence strongly supports their case against Abdul Kpaka, who was arrested in connection with Sia Kamara’s death in August 2024.
The case has been adjourned to 11th February 2026.
