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Author lost her hands after rebels attacked continued from p.1 Kamara said she was very happy just being with her family, friends and neighbours. This changed as the war drew closer and Kamara's village was evacuated to a nearby settlement. The move bought Kamara's people three nights of peace, but then the rebels showed. "When they attacked, my cousins and I, and many other people, were not around. We had left to get some food. By the time we came back, the rebels had already surrounded the village. Many people were captured and many were killed," said Kamara. "We were captured when we came back. During this time, I witnessed real brutality as the rebels tortured many members of the village. Kids, babies, pregnant women, old, young, innocent mothers... There was no separation." Kamara said people were murdered in front of her and she believed she and her cousins would share the same fate. Her fears seemed to be confirmed as the rebels took her cousins away and then turned their attention to her. "I was handed over to some boys, child soldiers, who were not much older than I was, 1218 years old or so. There were four of them carrying guns and machetes and other weapons. I was taken to a corner where they asked me to put my hands down so they could cut them off. "While one was forcing my hands to the rock, the other one was holding the machete and cut my hands off." The RUF was known for this type of violence aimed at preventing people from voting. In Kamara's case, the horrific act seemed to be about spreading fear. Before she passed out, Kamara remembers one of the boys telling her to visit the country's president and show what the rebels had done to her. When she regained consciousness, she found herself surrounded by dead bodies in the village that had now been set ablaze. Despite her severe injuries, she walked for more than a day until she reached a village where a man came to her aid and offered her a mango. see You on p.13 3 | Wednesday, September 25, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Shhhh... Oakville's Best Kept Secret. Stunning Diamond Bracelet 329 round brilliant cut diamonds, 6.31ct.,clarity; VS1-SI1, colour; EFG. (Gemscan Replacement Value $19,000) You can have this one only, for $9,800* Mariatu Kamara spoke about the loss of her hands as a child in Sierra Leone during the Halton Regional Police Service's Freedom Day celebration Friday. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) The Highest Quality, The Lowest Price. Guaranteed. 309 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville 905.339.7604 · www.omnijewelcrafters.com *Subject to prior sale and may be terminated at any time. with Over 400 shops, restaurants and services Helping You Make Smart Decisions About Your Money Voted Number 1 Financial Planner 10 Years WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE? FALL FEST - OCT 5, 11AM-4PM Events brought to you by the businesses of Downtown Oakville COME SHOP, DINE AND EXPLORE! Incredible Shopping, Specials & Entertainment for all! Peter Watson MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Certified Financial Planner SINCE 1991 220 Randall Street · Downtown Oakville Phone: 905.842.2100 www.peterwatsoninvestments.com