Published: November 15, 2024
GANTA – Authorities in Nimba County have arrested an Ivorian woman accused of coercing residents, primarily in District 9, to drink a concoction as part of a traditional ritual to prove their innocence in witchcraft accusations. The ritual, often referred to as “Sassywood,” has reportedly led to multiple deaths.
The suspect, identified as Gweyee Canta Jean, was taken into custody on Thursday, November 14, 2024. She faces multiple charges, including Criminal Conspiracy, Manslaughter, Criminal Facilitation, Criminal Solicitation, and Endangering Another Person. Her arrest follows complaints from local authorities in District 9, where she has allegedly operated since July 2024.
Jean was reportedly invited to the district by local residents seeking her services as a traditional herbalist. Her role involved administering a potion to individuals accused of witchcraft as a means of proving their innocence. Tragically, several individuals have died after consuming the concoction.
In July alone, six people from Gbiah-Gblor Chiefdom reportedly died after drinking the potion. Victims included Edward B. Yarkalla, Korto, Nohn Kaway, and George Kesseh, who allegedly died immediately after being forced to consume the substance. Jean and her collaborators are accused of using toxic herbs in these rituals, further endangering the lives of participants.
Local authorities initially faced resistance when attempting to apprehend Jean. Some residents of District 9 reportedly defended her actions, arguing that she was performing a traditional service and did nothing wrong. This resistance prolonged efforts to bring her and her accomplices to justice.
However, law enforcement finally succeeded in apprehending Jean on Thursday. Her accomplices, identified as John Gonbei, Habakkuk Gbah, Amos Pilkawo, Paul Torah, Menson Paye, Joshua Yormie, and George Blehsue, remain at large and are being actively pursued.
After her arrest, Jean was charged and transferred to the Sanniquellie Magisterial Court, housed within the 8th Judicial Circuit Court, for prosecution. Liberian law expressly prohibits trial by ordeal under Section 14.23 of the Penal Code, and such practices are considered a serious violation.
The government of Liberia abolished trial by ordeal in an effort to curtail human rights abuses and prevent unnecessary deaths. Despite this, incidents of “Sassywood” and similar practices persist in some rural communities.
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