By Ernest Kpehe Moibah
Bomi County, Suehn Mecca-In Malorma Town, Lower Mecca Clan of Suehn Mecca District, restraint measures of suspects or offenders of crimes has sparked concerns among community members and heightened calls for the presence of law enforcement officers.
But community officials say their restraint measures is due to the absence of police station or law enforcement personnel in the community. According to them, the practice is intended to temporarily maintain order in the community.
The measures, they say, entails chaining suspects or offenders for a period of time until the arrival of law enforcement officers depending on crime types or offense.
The rural policing measures was uncovered during a recent media tour in the district. Community leaders openly admitted that suspected offenders are often placed in chains as a temporary measure to maintain order.
Speaking to Rural Reporters News Network, the Dean Elder of Malorma Town, Ambullai Dukuly, made a heartfelt appeal to the Government of Liberia to urgently establish a sub-police depot in the area. According to him, residents face serious obstacles in accessing justice due to the long distance to the nearest police station in D.C. Clarke Town.
Elder Dukuly explained that in the absence of formal law enforcement, accused individuals are chained to prevent escape while community leaders attempt to resolve disputes peacefully. He cited a recent case involving a young boy who was chained and later escaped, describing the incident as a clear sign that the current situation is unsafe and unsustainable.
Defending the practice, Clan Chief of Lower Mecca, Boakai Kamara, said chaining is used as a deterrent and an initial step to compel individuals to respond to complaints brought before the town and clan authorities.
Chief Kamara stated that anyone who refuses to honor summons from local leaders or resists the settling of disputes may be placed in chains until a respected family member or community member stands as surety and commits to resolving the matter.
Despite defending the practice, the clan leadership acknowledged its limitations and renewed calls for government intervention. Chief Kamara disclosed that the community is willing to provide land for the construction of a police depot to address the gap in the administration of justice.
When contacted, joint security authorities in D.C. Clarke Town expressed shock over the reports. A senior security officer at a checkpoint said they were not aware of the practice and promised to follow up and revert with findings.
Efforts to speak with one of the individuals who was allegedly chained did not materialize, as he reportedly escaped shortly after the arrival of journalists in Malorma Town.
Residents of Lower Mecca Clan say while traditional leaders continue to play a vital role in maintaining peace, the absence of formal law enforcement is exposing communities to human rights abuses, making the presence of police in the community a compelling need.
