MARDV Demands Swift Investigation Into Pregnant Woman’s DeathAllegedly Involving LNP Zone 3 Commander

— Commends Government for Upholding 1937 Extradition Treaty in Case of
Liberian-American, Othello Bruce

The non-profit organization Men Against Rape and Domestic Violence
(MARDV) is calling on the Liberia National Police (LNP) to expedite its
investigation into a disturbing incident involving Zone 3 Commander Sayon
Wolah.

The officer is accused of allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman in the Old
Road Community, resulting to her death and that of her unborn child.

At a recent press conference held in Paynesville, MARDV’s Executive
Director, Mr. Mark N. Mengonfia, described the allegations as “unthinkable” and
expressed deep concern over what he termed a betrayal of law enforcement
duties.

“It is mind-boggling to see that a police officer who is to protect life and
property is instead implicated in causing the death of a woman and her unborn
baby,” Mengonfia stated.

He welcomed the LNP’s public commitment to an “impartial
investigation,” but urged the authorities to ensure that the process is
timely and transparent to prevent any perception of a cover-up.

Mengonfia emphasized that such incidents damage Liberia’s global image and
threaten the safety of women and children, noting, “When a police commander is
the alleged perpetrator, it sends a chilling message about the safety of our
communities.”

The MARDV Director also referenced several recent cases of gender-based
violence (GBV) including; Dorris Kollie’s Murder, a mother of six reportedly
killed by her ex-boyfriend, Lawrence King, in Bong County, mentioning Stephen
Jackson Case, a teacher at Nathan E. Gibson School allegedly
impregnated a minor and encouraged her to undergo an unsafe abortion, leading
to her death.

Mengonfia reminded
the public that under Liberia’s 2005 Rape Law, any sexual relationship with a
person under 18 constitutes rape.

MARDV also praised the Government of Liberia for honoring its 1937
extradition treaty with the United States in the case of Othello Bruce,
a Liberian-American accused of repeatedly raping his 14-year-old daughter.
Bruce was indicted in Worcester County, USA, on multiple charges including
aggravated statutory rape.

“We appreciate the GoL’s action. This sets a precedent that Liberia cannot
be a hiding place for criminals or fugitives,” said Mengonfia.

He recommended that images of wanted individuals in such serious cases be
displayed at airports, border posts, and other key public areas to aid in their
capture.

Mengonfia has reiterated MARDV’s commitment to proactive advocacy and public
education, highlighting ongoing programs such as:

He announced
A weekly Prime FM talk show every Monday
from 2–3 PM using simple English to reach wider audiences.

MARDV
has announced a nationwide football tournament,
launched in partnership with Just A Girl Initiatives,
which started in Montserrado and has expanded to Margibi, with upcoming
activities planned for Bong County.

“Thanks to our MOU with Just A Girl Initiative, we have
merged our efforts to tackle rape and domestic violence head-on,” he noted.

MARDV continues to emphasize the importance of men joining the fight against
sexual and domestic violence.

“Men, we are part of the problem. So, let’s be part of the solution,”
Mengonfia concluded.

MARDV was established in 2020 by the late sports journalist Trogen Kiazolu
and a group of men from diverse professional backgrounds, with the mission to
combat rape and domestic violence through advocacy and public awareness.