Monrovia– An active-duty soldier of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Corporal David N. Watson, is recovering at the 14 Military Hospital after he was allegedly assaulted by an Emergency Response Unit (ERU) officer and two unidentified civilians in the Palm Spring Community.
By Willie Tokpah
According to official incident reports, Corporal Watson was attacked by ERU officer Decee Homer and two civilian accomplices.
The assault reportedly followed an earlier altercation involving Joe Zaragba, also known as “Kante,” a civilian accused of impersonating a security officer.
Earlier that day, Zaragba allegedly accused private security officer Samuel Partuah of impersonating military personnel. The accusation was dismissed after AFL Sergeant Weefar Beyan confirmed Partuah’s identity. Despite this, tensions escalated.
Later that night, while Watson was walking to retrieve personal belongings, he was reportedly ambushed by Officer Homer and two unidentified men. Witnesses say Watson was beaten with sticks and pushed to the ground during the unprovoked attack.
Watson sustained a serious shoulder injury before managing to escape. He was assisted by a local resident identified as Josephus, who contacted Camp Sandy Ware Military Barracks. Watson was later evacuated and admitted to the 14 Military Hospital.
The alleged involvement of an ERU officer and unauthorized civilians has raised serious concerns about police misconduct and civilian impersonation of security personnel. Community members report that Zaragba has a history of posing as a security officer without any official credentials.
“The idea that a trained soldier could be assaulted by a rogue officer and thugs is deeply disturbing,” said a local community leader who asked not to be named. “This is not just about one soldier—it’s about law and order in this country.”
Community members and AFL sources allege that Zaragba may be part of a wider network of civilians posing as local security agents, contributing to rising insecurity in some areas.
Public demand is growing for a full investigation into the assault. Citizens are calling for the immediate suspension and prosecution of ERU officer Decee Homer and the arrest of Zaragba and the other two assailants.
Alleged charges being called for include assault, obstruction, intimidation, impersonation, and conspiracy to commit bodily harm.
As of now, the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Justice have not issued a formal statement on the incident. Community leaders are also under scrutiny, particularly Palm Spring Community Chairman James Sampson, who is accused by residents of having close ties with Zaragba.
