GRAND CAPE MOUNT COUNTY, Liberia, April 8, 2024 — The family of 35-year-old Rita Kemokai is calling for justice after she was found dead in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 6, 2024, in what residents describe as a shocking and violent incident that has left parts of the community fearful.
Kemokai, an employee of Bea Mountain Mining Company, was reportedly discovered in a pool of blood at around 3:00 a.m. after some residents said they heard someone pleading for their life but they could not figure out some words that was being said because it was a bit far from where they stayed.
A community dweller Nicholas H.B. Nagbe said he had to call the police for help when he heard the noises. He couldn’t risk his life by coming at that time due to poor security conditions within their community.
Several residents have identified businessman James Stewart as a suspect in the matter, alleging that he has often claimed to have close ties to influential government officials, business figures and senior security personnel. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether Stewart is under investigation.
Community sources alleged that Kemokai and her friend, Jeraldine M. Travers, had witnessed an earlier killing and had later received repeated threats. Travers is reportedly in hiding amid growing concern for her safety.
According to Samuel Mason, a friend of the late Kemokai and Travers, Kemokai had confided in relatives about the threats.
Mason also alleged that a police officer had warned Kemokai and Travers not to report what they had seen or go near a police station, saying their families could be placed in danger.
Kemokai’s aunty, Beatrice Davis, reportedly told officers that her niece mentioned threats from unidentified individuals. Davis, however, said she did not initially take the claims seriously.
The family is now urging the Liberian government and law enforcement authorities to conduct a credible investigation and ensure that anyone responsible is held accountable.
“We want justice for Rita,” relatives said, calling on police to act swiftly and without fear or favor.
There are reports that Stewart had previously denied using influence or close ties to powerful individuals to abuse the t rights of anyone. According to residents, Stewart has often described himself only as someone fortunate to have friends among business leaders and senior security officials. No formal response from Stewart was included in the accounts provided.
The case has heightened anxiety in Grand Cape Mount County, where some residents fear that alleged political or security connections could complicate efforts to secure justice. Community members say they want the matter handled transparently and in accordance with the law.
As of this report, authorities had not publicly announced any arrest or confirmed the status of the investigation. Residents and relatives say they remain hopeful that Kemokai’s death will not be ignored and that those responsible wills eventually face justice.
