Monrovia – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has launched an internal investigation following the fatal shooting of 15-year-old James Kandy in the Rehab Community on Monday, July 1. The incident has sparked outrage among residents and raises concerns about the police’s handling of such situations.
According to a statement from the LNP, Officer Ishmael Trawally and other officers were involved in a “rapid response” operation addressing a violent situation in the community. The police report indicated that the officers were responding to threats made against a resident by individuals suspected of drug trafficking.
However, the use of force during this operation led to the tragic death of James Kandy, whose shooting has been met with widespread condemnation. “This is another heartbreaking incident where an innocent life has been lost due to police action,” said a local resident, Sarah Gibril. “We demand justice for James and accountability for those responsible.”
The shooting comes just a few months after a similar incident in Grand Cape Mount County, where the police opened fire on protesters, further fueling concerns about the LNP’s conduct. “It seems like the police are repeating the same mistakes,” said Moses Tamba, a community leader. “Every time there is an issue, they respond with violence, and innocent people are suffering.”
In response to the incident, the LNP has stated that it is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation. “We take all such allegations seriously and are conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of James Kandy,” said a spokesperson for the LNP. “Our goal is to ensure that justice is served and to maintain the trust of the communities we serve.”
The investigation will review the actions of Officer Trawally and other officers involved to determine if the use of force was justified and if proper procedures were followed. The LNP has also pledged to cooperate with any external oversight bodies involved in the investigation.
The community is calling for greater oversight and accountability in the police force to prevent such tragedies in the future. “We need to see real changes in how the police operate,” said Ellen Brown, a resident of the Rehab Community. “This kind of violence must stop, and those responsible need to be held accountable.”
As the investigation progresses, the LNP faces mounting pressure from citizens demanding justice for James Kandy and reform within the police force. The outcome of the investigation and subsequent actions taken by the LNP will be closely watched by the public and advocacy groups committed to police reform.
