Liberia National Police (LNP) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has released an investigative report in circumstances leading to the death of the late army Sgt Manndeh Bobby, attributing the incident to suicide.
During a meeting on November 8, 2024 at the Headquarters of the Liberia National Police in Monrovia, the Chief Investigator and Deputy Inspector General of Police for Crime Scene, Simeon Frank, said that the investigative report further concludes that based on the facts gathered through interviews conducted with some of the soldiers as well as workmates, the recovery of evidence, and the physical examination of Sgt Bobby’s remains, the victim committed suicide by placing the muzzle of a gun in his mouth and discharging it.
The LNP expressed condolences to both the AFL and the bereaved family for the loss of Sgt Manndeh who, based on the report, died from a self-inflated wound.
Meanwhile, the AFL has also extended its deepest sympathies to Sgt Manndeh’s family and stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time. The AFL will continue to support his family in honoring Sgt Manndeh’s life and service to his country.
It can be recalled the High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) informed the public about the passing of Sergeant (Sgt) Bobby Manndeh on 30 May 2024, following an alleged self-inflicted gunshot while on guard duty at the EBK Barracks in Schiefflin, Lower Margibi County.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) was immediately notified, and their Homicide Division commenced an investigation at the scene.
Sgt Bobby was enlisted into the AFL in 2007 as an Infantry Soldier, and his last assignment was with Alpha Company, 1Bn, 23rd Infantry Brigade.
He served with the last Batch (9th) of AFL Contingent in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali from September 2022 – December 2023. His professionalism, dedication, and loyalty were well recognized by both his peers and superiors.
However, the police report is beginning to create mixed reaction in the public glare with some questioning the authenticity of the entire investigation process.
Some wonder why an investigation launched in May 2024 would take state security more than five months to come up with a report that lacks substantial information including names of key persons of interest.
Another issue of concern is the lack of clear narrative on the processes followed during the investigation, including the collection of hard information from the crime scene as well as the method of examination on the corpse of the later soldier, whether it was through proper scientific sample profiling or just professional coronal observation?
The report also lacks any information on what could have led to the soldier’s action as in the case of a suicide. All these have apparently created more doubts in the mind of the public with more questions yet to answer.
