By Christian Appleton
Twansiebo Gbeken, Maryland County – August 19, 2025 — The Liberia National Police (LNP) have arrested five individuals in connection with the brutal mob killing of 77-year-old Josephine Sieh, who was accused of practicing witchcraft in the rural town of Twansiebo Gbeken.
Police have identified the suspects as Darbo Newton, Friday Newton, Victor Brown, David Y. Saah, and Augustine Karyee. They are currently being held by the LNP’s Crime Services Division (CSD) as investigations into the killing are underway.
The incident was triggered by a series of traditional consultations initiated by town leadership after the daughter of General Town Chief Patrick Dio fell mysteriously ill and later died. Following the child’s passing, suspicion and fear intensified among residents.
According to the victim’s daughter, Janet Sieh, the town’s leadership consulted a witch doctor to determine the cause of the child’s illness. During the ritual, the town chief’s three grandsons were allegedly identified and then accused Josephine Sieh of being involved.
“My mother was at a burial when the ritual was conducted,” Janet said. “When she returned, they took her to the witch doctor. She denied the accusation, but they still handed her over to the people.”
Following the girl’s death, tensions escalated, culminating in what police describe as a brutal mob attack on the elderly woman. Eyewitness reports suggest that a group of youth, allegedly acting under the influence of community leaders, took matters into their own hands.
“This is a deeply troubling case,” an LNP spokesperson told reporters. “We are treating it as a homicide, and all suspects will face the full weight of the law if found guilty.”
Mob justice and accusations of witchcraft remain significant issues in rural Liberia, particularly where access to formal justice systems is limited. Human rights advocates have repeatedly called for public education and stronger enforcement of the rule of law to prevent such tragedies.
As of press time, the five suspects remain in police custody in Harper. Josephine Sieh’s body has been turned over to her family for burial, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests as investigations continue.
Comments are closed.