Bopolu City Gbarpolu County —Thursday, August 28, 2025- Police in Bopolu City are investigating the maltreatment of Korto Vargbana in Belle Baloma town.
Korto was tied with a bush rope after being accused of violating local traditions.
Authorities described tasks such as clearing the town square and maintaining access to the town’s creek or drinking water as “traditional work.”
David Forkpa, who ordered the act, claimed that Vargbana’s female friends abandoned her and handed her over to a traditional policing mechanism for disciplinary action after she refused to comply with their request.
The investigation indicates that other individuals have undergone similar disciplinary measures for purported violations of tradition, drawing attention from civil society and human rights groups in the county.
Korto states she was on a farm at the time the alleged work took place and alleges that Community Watch Forum and other residents were prevented from protecting her.
This, the Chief Elder G. Robert Tanjoe of Belle Baloma defended the disciplinary action as a consequence of violating customary law, noting this in a telephone interview.
It is recorded that Belle District Commissioner John Belle ordered that Korto Vargbana be untied and transported to Bopolu City, a move that has sparked debate over due process and the legitimacy of community-based enforcement powers.
The case has attracted scrutiny from ActionAid Liberia, the county Gender Officer, and other human rights advocates, who are calling for a transparent investigation, protection of other potential victims, and a critical review of traditional justice practices.
There is currently no presence of a police station in the affected part of Gbarpolu County.
As the investigation continues, observers emphasize the importance of upholding human rights protections and legal safeguards.
Further updates are expected as authorities pursue the case.
