Liberia: ‘I am Dying’ - Father of Five Fights for Life After Brutal Palm Bush Attack Over US$10 - FrontPageAfrica

Duazon, Margibi County — A shocking act of violence in the Palm Bush Community along the Robertsfield Highway has left a 40-year-old security guard battling severe injuries after he was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a co-worker over a US$10 debt dispute.

By Patience M. Jones

The victim, Mulbah A. Raliey, a father of five and resident of Bentu, District 17, Montserrado County, is currently undergoing painful treatment following the May 3 incident that nearly claimed his life.

According to Mulbah, harsh economic conditions forced him to leave his family behind and relocate to the Palm Bush Community in search of work. He was employed as a security guard at the Belle Azure Beach Resort alongside the suspect, identified as Prince Kardor, 32, a resident of the same community.

Mulbah disclosed that due to financial hardship and pressure from his family, he borrowed US$20 from Prince months ago. He later repaid half of the amount and promised to settle the remaining US$10 upon receiving his salary.

However, what began as a small debt allegedly escalated into repeated threats and intimidation.

“If you don’t pay my money, I will kill you,” Mulbah recalled the suspect repeatedly telling him.

According to the victim, Prince allegedly harassed and threatened him constantly at work, often menacingly brandishing a cutlass.

Mulbah narrated that on the day of the incident, tensions rose after rumors circulated that someone had given him money. He claimed Prince immediately demanded payment and allegedly sat waiting for him with a cutlass in hand before community members intervened and confiscated the weapon.

Despite warnings from witnesses to avoid the suspect, Mulbah said he later encountered Prince while returning to their work post. The disagreement reportedly turned violent, resulting in a physical struggle between the two men.

Mulbah recounted that after escorting Prince and his girlfriend home, he turned to head back on duty when he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.

“Before I could realize what was happening, he had already stabbed me in my back,” the victim explained.

He said he attempted to flee but collapsed unconscious in front of a local shop owned by Acting Chairman Othello Q. Holmes, popularly known as “Crab.”

Community residents rushed Mulbah to the 14 Military Hospital, where he received emergency treatment for multiple stab wounds.

Speaking from his recovery bed, Mulbah said he continues to suffer severe chest and back pain, especially at night.

“I can barely sleep because of the pain. Doctors told me not to do hard labor again because my injuries are very deep,” he lamented.

The victim further disclosed that he has received no sympathy or support from the suspect’s family since the incident occurred.

Acting Chairman Othello Q. Holmes confirmed that he has been personally assisting with the victim’s treatment.

According to Holmes, the hospital initially demanded a US$150 deposit before treatment could begin. “I paid the money because the man was dying,” Crab explained.

He further stated that despite the victim still being in serious condition, mounting medical costs forced them to continue treatment from home under medical supervision.

Holmes said he has only received 10,000 Liberian Dollars from the suspect’s family, an amount he described as insignificant compared to the expenses incurred so far. He appealed to the public, humanitarian organizations, and well-meaning individuals to assist him in obtaining proper medical treatment to prevent his condition from worsening. 

Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged suspect Prince Kardor with Aggravated Assault, in violation of Chapter 14, Subchapter B, Section 14.20 of the Revised Penal Law of Liberia.

The case has since been forwarded to the Unification Magisterial Court for prosecution.

According to the police investigation report, both men had been involved in a heated argument over the unpaid debt before the situation escalated into violence.

Police stated that during questioning, Prince admitted stabbing Mulbah with a broken bottle during a fight, claiming he acted after being overpowered by the victim during a confrontation near a palm tree stump.

Investigators confirmed that Mulbah sustained multiple injuries to his back and was bleeding profusely before being transported to the hospital by community members.

The incident has sparked outrage within the Palm Bush Community, with many residents calling for justice and stronger interventions to address rising violence linked to economic hardship and disputes.