Cestos City, River Cess County – In a bold defiance of Liberia’s formal ban on trial by ordeal—commonly known as sassywood—traditional authorities in Rivercess, have conducted a week-long ritual involving public accusations of witchcraft in the Wrudazohn Community in Cestos City, drawing sharp criticism from residents and legal observers.
At the center of the event was a traditional figure identified as Mother Gueh, who led the ordeal-based trial involving several individuals, including children. Over the course of more than a week, the accused were paraded before community members and subjected to traditional rituals meant to “reveal the truth.”
Speaking to Verity News during the ceremony, traditional leaders claimed the process was initiated after three children reportedly confessed and named individuals allegedly involved in a secret witchcraft society. Among those named was a commercial motorcyclist, bringing the total number of accused to eight.
Despite maintaining their innocence, the accused were reportedly forced to pay US $100 each to bring a witch doctor. Traditional leaders say they received authorization from the County Superintendent to carry out the ritual investigation.
According to the elders, the accused were suspected of plotting to kill traditional figures in the county, including Chief Bob Kofi Zah and Moses Myers—a claim many in the area have questioned.
“This is nothing but jungle justice,” said a concerned resident who attended the event. “Accusations made by children should never be the basis for such a harsh public process, especially when lives and reputations are at stake.”
Community skepticism grew further when traditional authorities claimed the alleged secret society operated under a cartoon tree that had long stood in the community. In response, traditional leaders—acting on instructions from a witch doctor—ordered the tree cut down by a local pit-sawyer.
The felling of the tree resulted in unintended destruction. As it crashed down, the massive trunk fell onto a nearby residential home, destroying the structure entirely. The homeowner, who lost all belongings, has yet to receive compensation or support.
Legal and human rights experts have strongly condemned the incident, citing Liberia’s laws against such practices. In 2007, the Liberian Supreme Court declared all forms of trial by ordeal unconstitutional and illegal. The ruling criminalizes the practice, imposing penalties including fines of up to US $200, misdemeanor charges, and even murder charges if death results from the ritual.
Despite this clear legal stance, trial by ordeal remains practiced in several rural communities, often with little to no legal oversight. Advocates for rule of law say the continuation of such acts reflects deeper challenges in enforcing national laws in remote areas where traditional belief systems remain dominant.
“This isn’t just a violation of human rights; it’s a breakdown of governance,” said a Monrovia-based human rights lawyer. “If local officials are authorizing illegal practices, it shows the urgent need for civic education and stronger institutional accountability.“
