-Jailed at South Beach
By Jacqueline L. Dennis
MONROVIA – Sheriffs from Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice have arrested former Deputy Minister for Administration, Madam Thalma Sawyer, following an indictment on allegations of money laundering and related financial crimes.
The arrest of Madam Sawyer stems from an ongoing probe by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce, which is investigating alleged embezzlement, illicit enrichment, and abuse of public office by officials of the previous administration.
Sources had told The Liberian Post that Sawyer’s arrest marks the start of a wider crackdown targeting several former senior government officials suspected of misusing public resources. Among those also named for investigation is Madam Finda Bundo, former Chief of Protocol, who is alleged to have facilitated questionable financial payments during her stay in government.
According to sources, the Taskforce is preparing additional indictments against other individuals believed to be linked to the alleged diversion of government funds.
Legal analysts say the high-profile arrests could serve as a major test of the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Both local civil society groups and international partners are said to be monitoring the Taskforce’s actions closely.
The court on Wednesday ordered that Madam Sawyer surrender her passport and report to the court on Wednesday weekly, the order of the court followed by her overstaying for 15-day periods without notice to the court. Madam Sawyer before his stay, put in for a one-month medical leave.
Earlier on Friday, Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, Chairman of the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT), the man leading the fight here at AREPT, confirmed during a live press conference that indeed Mrs. Sawyer and others had been arrested and forwarded to the Monrovia Central Prison/South Beach.
This is a developing story.
