Monrovia – With less than three months of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government, the Joint Security Committee said their attention has been drawn to series of unexplained deaths around the country.
Report by Bettie Johnson-Mbayo, [email protected]
At a press conference Tuesday, April 17, Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean said the Committee is actively engaged in efforts to ensure that communities are safe.
The joint security includes the Liberia National Police, Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, National Fire Service and National Security Agency.
Justice Minister Dean said the Committee is determined to ensure that people live in peace and without fear.
Commenting on Journalist Tyron Browne’s death, Cllr. Dean said police officers responded to the call when the body was discovered.
“Upon arriving, LNP found an unconscious male, later identified as Tyron Browne. He was later pronounced dead at the Benson Medical Hospital. The body has been deposited at the Abraham Roberts Funeral Home,” he disclosed.
When he was asked if an autopsy will be done on the remains, he responded, “I can’t say now but an investigation is ongoing and if there’s need for an autopsy, we will say, but for now investigation is ongoing.”
John Davies, another man whose torture at Sime Darby has taken Facebook by storm in Liberia, Cllr. Dean disclosed that the culprits have been arrested and the case is being investigated.
He dispelled rumors of the death of the victim circulating on social media.
The Justice Minister said on April 7, 2018, the LNP responded to a scene and discovered two persons — Princess Dwalo and Hansan Kanneh — were in their room with wounds.
“Upon arrival at the JFK Medical Center, Princess Dwallo was pronounced dead while Hansen had extensive wound to his private part.”
“He is currently undergoing medical treatment and to the extent medically advisable, he is being interrogated by Police.”
Cllr. Dean recalled Emmanuel Tarpeh, a resident of Johnsonville, who was reported missing on April 9, 2018.
He said a search by the Liberian National Police (LNP) revealed that he was killed and buried in an unmarked grave.
“One person has been arrested and investigation is underway.”
Madam Joyce Otujawheh, a resident of ELWA, was brutally murdered at her residence, a day after she celebrated her birth anniversary on March 24, 2018.
Cllr. Dean disclosed the arrest off several persons of interest, who were invited and are currently undergoing interrogation by the LNP.
“Suspect Francois Brown is at large. We are calling on the general public to assist the police with any information leading to the arrest of suspect Brown. His photos are available on social media and we hope that justice can be done to the victim.”
Cllr. Dean also said that on April 3, 2018, at about 1:30p.m. a group of unknown persons armed with pistols, cutlasses and other weapons forcibly entered the premises of Kebeh Forkpah, located on Clay Street.
One round of ammunition was fired and this resulted to the injury of victim Wilson Tarpeh. “He was pronounced dead by doctor. The suspects have been arrested.”
However, the Joint Security said they have intensified patrols in crimes infested neighborhoods and called on the general public to report any suspicious activities within their communities to local law enforcement officers.