-To probe the death of D#15 resident
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
Montserrado County District #15 representative Abu B. Kamara has given the Liberian National Police and the Management of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) seventy-two hours ultimatum to sharply investigate and prosecute all those in connection with the death of Mr. Josephus S. Tukpeh, a resident of the Caldwell community.
Mr. Tukpeh was allegedly murdered over the weekend by some members of the Power Theft Division of the LEC over alleged power theft.
According to the Joint team (LNP, LEC), they observed that Mr. Tukpeh was engaged in power theft but he prevented the team from having access to his home to disconnect something which resulted in conflict and his subsequent unfortunate demise.
But, speaking in an interview with Journalists Saturday at the LNP headquarters following a meeting with the LNP and LEC, representative Kamara said that they demand justice, adding that it’s the only thing that can make his district and people happy.
He expressed frustration over the government’s (LNP/LEC) alleged disrespect towards the family and the district by taking the body of the deceased from the Stockton Creek Clinic without the concern and approval of the family.
“Based upon that, we are giving the joint team 72 house ultimatum, if we don’t get readdress, you will see what is going to happen by the Citizens. All we need is Justice. We believe that his death was reckless, wicked, and careless because they should have worked with the community leadership to do so” he noted.
For their part, the Liberia Electricity Corporation says it Condemns Violence resulting in a Customer demise in Caldwell, Bushrod Island.
“The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) expresses deep regret and sadness over the tragic incident that occurred in the New Georgia Town Center, Caldwell, involving assigned police officers and our anti-power theft team, which resulted in the demise of one Mr. Josephus S. Tukpeh a resident of the community.
The LEC in a press release dated March 2, 2024, under the signature of the management, LEC unequivocally denounces any form of violence and assures the public of its unwavering support to the police investigation to ensure that justice is served.
In response to this unfortunate event, the Liberia Electricity Corporation stated that it is collaborating with law enforcement authorities, who have launched an investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident.
The management of LEC further pledges its fullest cooperation and support to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
LEC stated that it immediately dispatched a team Friday evening, at 7:00 pm, and met with the immediate family of the deceased, including parents and other relatives at the victim’s residence in Caldwell.
“The management also convened this morning at about I1:00 am with the entire family present and will continue to engage with the family and all stakeholders to gather further information and offer support during this challenging time. With heartfelt sympathy, the management of LEC extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family. The corporation assures the family of its unwavering support throughout the investigation process and during this period of mourning” they concluded.
Meanwhile, Police IG Geogry Coleman in a press conference over the weekend expressed sadness over the situation, assuring that the LNP will do all it takes to bring the investigation to book as soon as possible.
“About what occurred in Caldwell that led to the death of one life, we are also investigating every member that was on the Power Theft Team. They are here at the Police headquarters undergoing investigation.
According to him, they were able to have physical contact with the wife and other family members and they expressed their condolences for the life and assured them that the investigation would be void of interference and influence.
