Margibi ~ A tragic domestic incident has left residents of Todee District in disbelief after a man allegedly killed his wife during a dispute over a mobile phone on Saturday, November 23.
According to Town Chief John Sackie, 41-year-old Abraham Mator returned to Mission Third Town from Kakata at about 7 p.m. Moments later, neighbors heard a loud commotion coming from his house. When they rushed in, they found his wife, Esther David, lying unresponsive on the floor.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the altercation began when Esther attempted to make a phone call and Mator reportedly refused, sparking a heated struggle. She later collapsed, reportedly with fluid coming from her mouth, and was pronounced dead shortly after.
Community sources say Mator had a history of domestic violence. They further revealed that Esther, who recently underwent major surgery, leaves behind a two-month-old baby.
Following the incident, the Town Chief and the suspect’s brother escorted Mator through a nearby bush path and handed him over to the Liberia National Police. He was initially held at the Nyehn Police Station before being transferred to Careysburg for investigation.
Residents have raised concerns that, nearly 24 hours after the death, police officers have yet to visit the crime scene despite having the suspect in custody. Family members of the deceased are now requesting an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death, as Esther’s body remains in the town and has begun emitting an odor, raising health concerns.
Tubmanville Commissioner Arzata Flomo condemned the killing, describing it as “heartbreaking,” particularly given the victim’s recent surgery and her role as a young mother. She criticized the police for what she called an unacceptable delay in responding to the scene.
Commissioner Flomo praised the community watch team for ensuring the suspect’s arrest but expressed disappointment that the township home to more than 10,000 residents has no assigned police officers and depends solely on unpaid volunteers for security.
She has called on the Inspector General of Police to urgently deploy officers to Todee District, citing rising insecurity and growing frustration among citizens.
Meanwhile, the community remains engulfed in fear and grief as residents and family members demand justice for Esther David.
