Paynesville – Outrage erupted in Paynesville’s bustling Red Light commercial hub on Tuesday, December 3, 2025, as local marketers staged a massive protest demanding justice after a Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) officer allegedly assaulted an eight-month pregnant street seller during a routine enforcement operation.
By Francis G. Boayue
The victim, 39-year-old Fatu Kamara alleged to be an eight-month pregnant woman, was reportedly hit during a tussle with the officer, identified as Solomon L. Boikai of the PCC police force, leading to her urgent hospitalization at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK).
Following the incident, several marketers gathered at the PCC office in Paynesville to demand transparency and accountability from the city mayor of Paynesville City Corporation.
Speaking on behalf of the angry sellers, Stephen Devine Peter, a prominent marketer at Red Light, publicly called for the immediate expulsion of Officer Solomon Boikai, who he alleges is known as ‘Red’.
Peter claimed the assault was premeditated, stating that Officer Boikai acted under the direct instruction of another marketer, identified only as “Chairlady,” to forcibly remove Ms. Kamara’s market table from a disputed location.
“This is not Solomon Boikai’s first time; he has always been assaulting marketers and even destroying their markets,” Peter stressed, highlighting a pattern of alleged abuse. “We are all Liberians and need to hustle to survive, but the PCC police keep embarrassing us.”
The Paynesville City Corporation in response, has confirmed the incident, stating that Officer Boikai was enforcing city ordinances regarding marketing restrictions when a confrontation escalated into a tussle with Ms. Kamara, causing her “noticeable distress.”
In response to the gravity of the situation and the public outcry, the PCC announced the following measures which include the immediate suspension of officer Solomon L. Boikai from active duty and his being turned over to the Liberia National Police (LNP) for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The PCC release further assured the public that appropriate actions will be taken once the LNP investigation is concluded, underscoring its commitment to upholding the highest standards of accountability.
PCC authorities emphasized that the safety and well-being of all citizens remain their “utmost priority” and are committed to ensuring all enforcement actions adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and human rights.
The City Corporation further extended its concern for the well-being of the pregnant seller. The PCC later confirmed that Ms. Kamara is now in stable condition and is “responding well to treatment at JFK.”
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