President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has ordered the Justice Ministry and the Ministry of Health to investigate security officers and health workers who handled the case of the deceased 12 year
old rape victim prior to her death to determine whether or not there were elements of negligence. The President ordered these investigations following a visit to home of the victim’s parents in Brewerville.
Ma Musu Fofana, 12, died on Sunday, January 18, 2015 as a result of rape. She was allegedly raped by Mr. Musa Kanneh, 49, who is currently in police custody.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf expressed shock over the raping and subsequent death of an innocent child. “I am shocked that someone could be so wicked and devilish to the extent of raping and killing an innocent child in such brutal manner. I thought it was very important to come here and see the family myself. I am truly sorry and extend sympathy to the bereaved family for this loss,” President Sirleaf said during the visit.
She pointed out that government is concern about the roles played by different actors following the raping of the child and has requested the Ministry of Justice to probe the situation to facilitate informed actions. “We want to know why she was reportedly rejected by some health centers, and how it got difficult to get her to the John F. Kennedy Hospital in time. We want to know if other factors contributed to her death and who was responsible for those actions,” she indicated.
President Sirleaf assured the family that her government takes rape seriously and will leave no stone unturned in bringing perpetrators of rape and in particular the individual who raped and killed little Ma Musu Fofana to justice. “I am awaiting the outcome of the investigation which is ongoing with interest. We will allow the police and the Justice Ministry to do their job, but let me assure you that the perpetrator of this wicked act will pay dearly in keeping with law,” she assured family members.
The Liberian President also used the opportunity to sound a strong warning to would-be rapists that government is fed-up with their wicked behavior and would come strongly after rapists who are bent on destroying children young enough to be their own children. She then encouraged all citizens to see the fight against rape as everyone’s business and join in stopping the victimization of the many innocent children who are being abused and harmed.
Speaking earlier, the aunt of the deceased, Fatu Morris, in tears, briefed President Sirleaf on the circumstances that led to the raping and subsequent death of little Ma Musu Fofana and the difficulties encountered in trying to save her life.
She informed President Sirleaf that both Redemption Hospital and Faith Clinic turned the patient away when she was taken to the hospital. She also highlighted the difficulty in getting the raped child to the JFK Hospital. “She is gone and we are now looking up to the government to give us justice,” Fatu Morris stressed.
Dozens of Ma Musu family members including her biological mother, Massa Morris and stepfather, Emmanuel Morris, were on hand to receive the Liberian leader during the visit. They thanked President Sirleaf for the interest and visit and expressed the hope that justice will be done to the one who took the life of their young daughter.