The Inquirer (Monrovia)
Melissa Chea-Annan
18 April 2008
Monrovia — An officer of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Sgt. John D. Kumeh has expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which he has been ill treated by authorities of the LNP. He said "since the authorities can not send me to the hospital, let them give me my insurance money so that I can take care of myself."
The LNP officer who walked into the offices of The INQUIRER on Thursday lamented that since his return from Ghana in June 2007 on a medical leave, nothing has been done by the LNP to ensure that he continues his medication.
Speaking to The INQUIRER, Sgt Kumeh explained that he met his misfortune on May 18, 2002 while on an assignment at the CID-Anti Robbery Union. "That fateful night, I was called on the radio that there was an armed robbery going on, on Du-port Road in Paynesville. That night I left the Headquarters and went on the scene but while in pursuit of the alleged robbers, I hit my right foot on a piece of iron, which burst the sole of my shoe."
According to him, he reported the case to the office the following morning and he was given a slip to take treatment at the Catholic Hospital in New Kru Town, but the hospital's administrators denied treating him on grounds that the police was not paying insurance bill at that hospital.
In a sad mood, the ailing sergeant narrated that he reported the situation to the LNP officials but that they paid deaf ears to his plight. "After certain time, my toes started rotting and I credited some funds to seek further medication in Ghana."
Sgt. Kumeh narrated that while in Ghana, the doctors told him that his toes were damaged and that the only option was to have them amputated and that was how three of his toes were dismembered. "Just look at my toes," he attempted displaying the cut toes.
The wounded officer lamented that when he returned home in June 2007, he again reported the situation to the new head of the LNP, Director Beatrice Muna Sieh for further assistance but instead, he was treated with cold shoulders.
Sgt. Kumeh who explained that he has served the Police force since 1994 is therefore calling on the authorities of the LNP to give him his insurance money that he had assiduously worked for over the years so that he can continue his treatment. "Right now I can't walk good because of the pains and I am still sick so, let them just give me my money so that I can take better care of myself," he said in a sad tone.
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