Monrovia – Police in Monrovia have charged the 36-year-old son of Defense Minister Brownie Samukai in the shooting incident that took place at the Tropicana Beach in the Thinker’s Village along the Robertfield Highway that left one injured.
Report by Kennedy L.Yangian [email protected]
Michael Samukai was charged by the Police on Friday for shooting Zardee Andrews on his neck and was taken to the Paynesville Magistrate Court and later taken to the Monrovia Central Prison, where he is currently held.
With the charge of criminal attempt to commit murder, Samukai also faces the charges of aggravated assault and illegal possession of small arm.
Police say from its investigation, based on inquiries and witnesses’ accounts, Samukai shot Andrews at the birthday party of his wife—Charlotte Samukai—out of jealousy having accused her of having an affair with Andrews.
A Police charge sheet in the possession of FrontPage Africa, Samukai arrived at his wife’s birthday party on September 13, 2016 on the Tropicana Beach after not meeting her home. He did not know her whereabouts.
“While on the Tropicana Beach at 9:00 pm celebrating her natal day with her friend Sando Piarce she received a call from Zardee Andrews wishing her a happy birthday and she told him of their present on the beach this is how he came to the beach to meet them,” the Police charge sheet said.
“After Andrew arrived and was sitting with them few minutes later defendant Michael Samukai arrived and questioned him: ‘Don’t you know this is my wife?’ and Andrews answered ‘Yes but she is just my friend,’” the Police charge sheet further says.
It narrated: “Iif she is your friend, then what are you doing here with her at this time of the night?’ Victim Andrews then replied: ‘I am married; my wife picture is in my phone’. Defendant Samukai seized the phone and walked away.”
“Investigation furthered that while the tussle was ongoing, defendant Samukai pulled out a black and silver Fn-45 American pistol from under his coat and pointed same at the victim in the interim while struggling over the weapon, he shot the victim and the bullet penetrated the victim’s neck which are the entry and exit wounds,” it said.
Police also indicated that its investigative findings established that the fire arm used in the commission of the crime is not registered, which contravenes the 2015Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of Liberia.
“I felt very bad when I visited the hospital and saw the victim, I wish him well and speedy recovery,” said Defense Minister Brownie Samukai.
“That man lying in that hospital could be my son or any other Liberian,” he added, re-echoing the fact that his son is an adult and should be judged by his actions.