By: Julius Konton
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has issued a strong condemnation of alleged domestic violence linked to the death of Ntombi Toni Khumalo Jackson, a South African national whose death has triggered widespread shock and renewed debate about gender-based violence in Liberia.
In a formal press statement, the women’s rights organization called for an independent, swift, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, emphasizing that the case carries both national and international implications.
The deceased’s husband, Samuel P. Jackson, a Liberian political figure, has reportedly been declared a prime suspect by the Liberia National Police (LNP) and is currently assisting investigators as authorities continue to gather evidence.
AFELL expressed profound sympathy to the bereaved family and acknowledged the emotional shock reverberating across both Liberia and South Africa.
“The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Madam Jackson remind us that violence against women remains a critical national concern demanding decisive action,” the organization stated.
A Case Drawing International Attention
The death of Ntombi Jackson has rapidly evolved into a case of international interest, not only because the victim was a foreign national but also due to Liberia’s growing scrutiny over its handling of domestic and gender-based violence cases.
Liberia has, in recent years, made legal commitments to combat violence against women.
Among these is the Domestic Violence Act of Liberia, adopted in 2019 to strengthen legal protections for victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Additionally, Liberia is a signatory to several international conventions designed to protect women’s rights, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, commonly known as the Maputo Protocol.
These frameworks legally obligate governments to prevent violence, ensure accountability, and provide access to justice for victims and their families.
AFELL stressed that Liberia must uphold these commitments in handling the Jackson case.
A Persistent National Crisis
Domestic and gender-based violence remains a serious challenge in Liberia despite legislative reforms.
According to reports from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection of Liberia, nearly one in three Liberian women has experienced some form of physical or sexual violence in her lifetime.
Police and health sector data indicate that hundreds of domestic violence cases are reported annually, although experts warn that the true number is significantly higher due to underreporting driven by stigma, fear, and social pressure.
Advocates say the death of Ntombi Jackson underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of existing laws and improved institutional response mechanisms.
Call for Independent Investigation
AFELL urged the Liberian justice system to ensure the investigation remains free from political interference, delay, or undue influence, emphasizing the importance of protecting witnesses and individuals with relevant information.
“Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done,” the organization stated.
The lawyers’ group also cautioned against the circulation of graphic images and private photographs of the deceased on social media, describing such actions as harmful, unethical, and disrespectful to the dignity of the victim and her grieving family.
Liberia–South Africa Solidarity
AFELL expressed solidarity with the government and people of South Africa, particularly the Khumalo family, during what it described as a profoundly painful period.
Diplomatic observers note that cases involving foreign nationals often attract heightened international scrutiny, potentially influencing diplomatic relations and international perceptions of justice systems.
A National Moment of Reflection
Women’s rights advocates say the tragedy should prompt national reflection on the broader culture surrounding gender-based violence in Liberia.
Civil society groups argue that silence, stigma, and social tolerance of abuse often allow such violence to persist.
AFELL emphasized that justice in the Jackson case carries significance beyond a single criminal investigation.
“Justice for Madam Jackson is not only about one case,” the organization declared. “It is about reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to ending violence against women and ensuring that every woman can live free from fear.”
Monitoring the Case
The statement, signed by Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley, Vice President and Officer-in-Charge of AFELL, confirmed that the organization will closely monitor the investigation and judicial proceedings to ensure accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, the case has already become one of the most closely watched domestic violence cases in Liberia in recent years, raising pressing questions about justice, gender equality, and the protection of women’s rights in the West African nation.
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia(AFELL) was established on February 10, 1994, during Liberia’s civil crisis when the collapse of legal systems left women and children particularly vulnerable to abuse and injustice.
Born out of this urgent need for legal protection, AFELL has grown over three decades into Liberia’s preeminent organization championing gender equality and access to justice through its unique composition of female legal professionals and its dual approach to direct legal services coupled with systemic advocacy.
Registered as a non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political organization under Liberian law, AFELL operates through its two foundational pillars: the Legal Aid Clinic which provides crucial pro bono representation to indigent clients who cannot afford legal services, and the specialized Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) unit that leads the fight against gender-based violence through litigation, policy reform and survivor support programs.
Its membership consists exclusively of Liberia’s female lawyers, judges, and legal practitioners who volunteer their expertise to advance AFELL’s mission of protecting women’s rights, children’s welfare, and equitable access to justice.
