Careysburg– An active-duty soldier of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Corporal David N. Watson, is recovering on the 14 Navy Hospital after he was allegedly assaulted by an Emergency Response Unit (ERU) officer and two unidentified civilians within the Palm Spring Neighborhood in Careysburg.
By Willie Tokpah
In keeping with official incident reviews, Corporal Watson was attacked by ERU officer Decee Homer and two civilian accomplices.
The assault reportedly adopted an earlier altercation involving Joe Zaragba, often known as “Kante,” a civilian accused of impersonating a safety officer.
Earlier that day, Zaragba allegedly accused non-public safety officer Samuel Partuah of impersonating army personnel. The accusation was dismissed after AFL Sergeant Weefar Beyan confirmed Partuah’s id. Regardless of this, tensions escalated.
Later that evening, whereas Watson was strolling to retrieve private belongings, he was reportedly ambushed by Officer Homer and two unidentified males. Witnesses say Watson was crushed with sticks and pushed to the bottom throughout the unprovoked assault.
Watson sustained a critical shoulder damage earlier than managing to flee. He was assisted by an area resident recognized as Josephus, who contacted Camp Sandy Ware Navy Barracks. Watson was later evacuated and admitted to the 14 Navy Hospital.
The alleged involvement of an ERU officer and unauthorized civilians has raised critical considerations about police misconduct and civilian impersonation of safety personnel. Neighborhood members report that Zaragba has a historical past of posing as a safety officer with none official credentials.
“The concept a educated soldier could possibly be assaulted by a rogue officer and thugs is deeply disturbing,” mentioned a area people chief who requested to not be named. “This isn’t nearly one soldier—it’s about legislation and order on this nation.”
Neighborhood members and AFL sources allege that Zaragba could also be a part of a wider community of civilians posing as native safety brokers, contributing to rising insecurity in some areas.
Public demand is rising for a full investigation into the assault. Residents are calling for the instant suspension and prosecution of ERU officer Decee Homer and the arrest of Zaragba and the opposite two assailants.
Alleged costs being known as for embrace assault, obstruction, intimidation, impersonation, and conspiracy to commit bodily hurt.
As of now, the Liberia Nationwide Police and the Ministry of Justice haven’t issued a proper assertion on the incident. Neighborhood leaders are additionally below scrutiny, significantly Palm Spring Neighborhood Chairman James Sampson, who’s accused by residents of getting shut ties with Zaragba.
