A native doctor, identified as Madiswon Gaye, commonly known as “Dao-Dao,” has been sentenced to five years in prison for manslaughter following the death of a man during a ritual linked to traditional bullet proof in Nimba County.
The court ruled that Gaye’s actions, carried out under what he described as a cultural protection practice, led to the death of a 32-year-old man. The verdict serves as a reminder that traditional beliefs and practices remain subject to the country’s laws when they result in harm or death.
According to reports, the deceased had reportedly sought help from Dao-Dao for traditional treatment, but the procedure ended in tragedy after the man developed fatal complications.
During the proceedings, the convicted doctor expressed remorse over the incident, telling the court:
“I’m sorry, this was a mistake. Let the court forgive me, I ask for forgiveness.”
However, presiding Judge Papa Suah ruled that the evidence clearly established Gaye’s negligence, resulting in the five-year sentence.
Confirming the ruling, Nimba County Attorney John Miah said the court found the traditional doctor guilty of manslaughter and that he would serve his sentence as required by law.
The case has stirred conversations around the boundaries of traditional medicine and legal accountability in Liberia, especially concerning practices tied to cultural protection rituals.
