GBARNGA, Bong County – Four senior officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) have been suspended without pay after an internal investigation found misconduct in the handling of a rape case in Bong County, according to disciplinary findings by the Police Professional Standards Division (PSD).
The disciplinary action follows a complaint filed by Bong County Attorney Jonathan N. Flomo against officers assigned to the Women and Children Protection Section (WACPS). The complaint centered on the police’s handling of an alleged gang-rape case that was reported in the county.
According to the PSD’s findings, the case was reported to the WACPS after a woman alleged that she had been gang-raped. However, investigators concluded that officers responsible for the case failed to include the rape charge on the official charge sheet before forwarding the matter to court.
The omission prompted an internal investigation, with the PSD determining that the officers’ actions amounted to professional misconduct warranting disciplinary measures.
Among those sanctioned is Superintendent James Kartoe, Commander of the Crime Services Division (CSD) in Bong County. He has been suspended for one month without pay and will be transferred to another county after serving the suspension.
Inspector Hawa B. Kromah, Commander of the Women and Children Protection Section in Bong County, also received a one-month suspension without pay. The disciplinary decision further requires her transfer to another county upon completion of the suspension.
Chief Inspector Kessellee Tarwuleh, Regional Commander of the Women and Children Protection Section, was likewise suspended for one month without pay.
Chief Inspector Saye Kagborkaye also received a one-month suspension without pay as part of the disciplinary action.
The Liberia National Police has not publicly commented on the sanctions, and it remains unclear whether additional administrative or criminal actions will follow.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the handling of sexual and gender-based violence cases in Liberia and underscores the importance of adherence to professional standards in criminal investigations, particularly those involving vulnerable victims.
