MONTSERRADO CO.: Montserrado County district #15 Representative, Abu B. Kamara, has given the Liberia 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 for his alleged involvement in power theft.
According to the Joint team (LNP, LEC) they observed that Mr. Tukpeh was engaged an act of power theft but he allegedly stopped the team from having access to his home for disconnection, something which resulted into conflict.
However, speaking in an interview with Journalists Saturday at the LNP headquarter following a meeting with the LNP and LEC, representative Kamara demanded justice.
He stressed that justice is the only thing that can make his district and people happy.
He expressed frustration over the government (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 going to happen by the Citizens. All we need is Justice. We believe that his death was reckless, wicked and carless because they should have worked with the community leadership,” he noted.
For their part, the Liberia Electricity Corporation says it Condemns the Violence resulting in a Customer’s death 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, unequivocally denounced 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 for LEC further pledges its fullest cooperation and support to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
LEC stated that it has dispatched a team Friday which met with the immediate family of the deceased, including parents and other relatives at the victim’s residence in Caldwell.
“The management as well 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, Gregory Coleman, in a press conference over the weekend expressed sadness over the situation, assuring that the LNP will investigate the situation.
” About what occurred in Caldwell that led to the death of one person, we are also investigating every member that was on the Power Theft Team. They are here at the Police headquarter undergoing investigation.
According to him, they were able to have physical contact with the wife and others family members and they expressed their condolences to the life and assured them that the investigation will be void of an interference and influence. Contributor: Elbie Sebleh
