One of the defense witness in the human trafficking case at the Temple of Justice has denied allegations of trafficking in persons during her testimony before Criminal Court “A,” where she is standing trial alongside over 50 others on charges of Trafficking in Persons, Criminal Conspiracy, and Theft of Property.
Taking the witness stand in her own defense, Kargo identified herself as a businesswoman and recounted a series of events she said led to her arrest and subsequent detention. According to Kargo, she became involved in a business venture after being introduced to it by a friend.
Kargo told the court that she registered with the business using US$950 and began participating in its activities. However, she said her involvement later became limited due to pregnancy and health challenges. The defendant narrated that after giving birth, she suffered the loss of her newborn child and subsequently fell ill.
Seeking treatment according to her, she traveled to a remote area in Bong County, where she underwent traditional medical care for an extended period. Kargo testified that while she was away, she remained unaware of any legal action against her.
Upon returning to Monrovia after receiving news that her younger brother was sick, she said she was confronted at the Boulevard Junction by complainant Emmanuel Sapie and several other individuals.
She alleged that the group surrounded her and accused her of being wanted in connection with a court case. According to her testimony, Sapie allegedly encouraged others to assault her and threatened that she should be killed. “They beat on me, tore my clothes, and damaged my phone,” Kargo told the court, adding that a bystander questioned the reason for the assault and later contacted police officers who intervened.
The witness said police officers escorted all parties to Zone #3 Police Station, where officers informed them that the matter was already before the court. She testified that she was later transferred into custody and eventually detained at the Monrovia Central Prison, commonly known as South Beach.
When asked directly by her lawyer, Cllr. Sennay Carlor II whether she had trafficked anyone, Kargo firmly denied the allegation. “No, I did not traffic anyone,” she told the court.
The prosecution objected during portions of the defense’s examination arguing that Cllr. Carlor II, was leading the witness and engaging in improper questioning. However, Presiding Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie overruled the objections and allowed the testimony to proceed, while noting the prosecution’s exceptions.
Kargo concluded her testimony by maintaining that she had no involvement in human trafficking and that the account she provided represented all she knew about the case. The trial continues before Judge Willie of Criminal Court “A.”
