Cestos City, Rivercess County – June 26, 2025 – A 43-year-old man identified as Saah Bundor has been unanimously found guilty of statutory rape by the 14th Judicial Circuit Court in Cestos City.
The jury’s verdict was handed down on Thursday, June 26, following a closely watched trial involving the rape of two underage girls in Solo Village, Yarnee District, Rivercess County.
According to court records, Bundor was accused of raping two girls, ages nine and eleven, an offense that sparked outrage among residents of the rural community.
The trial commenced on Tuesday, June 9, and concluded with all 12 jurors voting to convict Bundor of the crime. The pre-sentence hearing has been scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, where the court is expected to consider mitigating and aggravating factors before sentencing.
During the proceedings, three witnesses testified—including the two survivors. In line with Liberian law, their testimonies were presented in closed-door sessions to protect the identity and privacy of the minors involved in sexual offense cases.
Prosecutors built their case around the detailed accounts of the survivors, supported by other forms of evidence, and are now pushing for a strong sentence that reflects the severity of the offense.
Statutory rape remains one of the most serious offenses under Liberian criminal law, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment depending on the circumstances and age of the victims.
The case has further intensified public discussions on child protection and the enforcement of laws against sexual violence across Rivercess County.
