J. Mason Kollie
Voinjama, Lofa County-A government’s hired Pathologist, Dr. Benedict Kolee has conducted an autopsy on body of the late 17-years old, Yarkpawolo Moisemai, who allegedly committed suicide while in police custody in Voinjama, Lofa County.
Dr. Benedict Kolee and his team conducted the autopsy on Saturday, March 21, 2025 at the Tellewoyan Memorial hospital in Voinjama, in the presence of family members, the Civil society Council, the media and other pressure groups.
The government’s decision to conduct autopsy on the remains of 17-years old Moisemai is based on the request from family members with the aim to establish the actual cause of the death of their son, who was seen as key witness in a murder case.
Speaking before the autopsy, Dr. Benedict Kolee told the media and family members of the deceased that the process will be open to everyone, but that journalist will not be allowed to carry camera in the autopsy room for the privacy of the family and the dead.
“You are all allowed to do all necessary recording beginning from the crime scene to the hospital where the work will be done, but what we can say to you is , you are not allowed to carry phone, or camera in the room”, Dr. Kolee disclosed.
Dr. Benedict Kolee assured relatives of the late Moisemai that the entire process will be transparent, and if there are doubts, those concerned can ask the relevant questions. He said the results of the autopsy is expected to be out within fourteen (14) days or beyond.
“The reason we are saying that the results of the autopsy will be out almost in (14) days is, we have to do some of the test in Ghana, Africa and do some in Liberia, so please expect the autopsy results in (14) days or above”, Dr. Benedict Kolee noted.
Family members represented by Mr. Francis Bawor confirmed that the autopsy process was free and transparent, and called on the Pathologist Dr. Benedict Kolee to come out with a professional result that will be free of biases.
“We were there as family from start to end of the autopsy, and the process was free, but what we can say to the Pathologist is come up with fair and transparent results like he started, said Mr. Bawor, as he lauded local officials for a “good start”.
The late Yarkpawolo Moisemai was a suspect in the murder of Moyoungor Keleko, a 45-year-old woman whose lifeless body was found in Duwoigomai Town on December 31, 2024. The circumstances surrounding both cases have left many questions unanswered, prompting citizens to demand autopsy on the body of Yarkpawolo.
