Mr. Editor
The story captioned “Angry Crowd Burns Police Officer to Death” published in your Monday, March 1, 2010 edition is rather sad and unfortunate. I wish to extend profound condolence to both the bereaved families of Preston Davies (the late), a resident of By-Pass and of the late police officer Amos Tutu.
Having said this, I write to state emphatically that I do not buy the assertion contained in the February 28, 2010 news release from the Ministry of Justice that the late officer had gone to the By-Pass to arrest a criminal gang. Which police officer in his or her sound mind would venture into a criminal-invested area to singlehandedly arrest a criminal gang? Of course, none would dare venture alone.
Another point worth noting before I put down my pen is that many Liberians have no confidence in our justice system and therefore are resorting to 'mob justice' as the most acceptable approach for seeking justice. Undeniably, 'mob justice' is wrong. Nevertheless, it should send a signal to the Judiciary and the Justice Ministry to immediately put their houses in order if the nation is to be diverted from the path of lawlessness.
Let me close with this line from Bishop Michael K. Francis written June 11, 2001: “No society can thrive if justice is not at the core of its existence.”
Jahbulleh Cicero Dempster
3rd Street, Saye Town, Sinkor
