In Sinoe County: Violent Confrontation at Gold Mines Field Leaves 20-Year-Old Man Dead

SINOE COUNTY: A tragic incident at a local gold mining site in the Chedepo Putuken Community of Sinoe County has left a 20-year-old man dead following a violent confrontation with his close friend.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the area, leaving residents grief-stricken and calling for stronger community safety measures.

According to eyewitnesses, the heated altercation reportedly began over gold proceeds but quickly turned physical.

During the fistfight, one of the men allegedly drew a cutlass and struck the other multiple times. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released pending notification of family members, sustained deep wounds and was pronounced dead shortly after the attack.

The unidentified suspect fled the scene immediately after the tragic incident.

The Sinoe County Police detachment has since launched a massive manhunt for the fugitive and says they are working with community members to locate and apprehend the alleged perpetrator.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss,” said a local elder who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity. “These young men were friends. No one expected a simple misunderstanding to end in such tragedy,” the anonymous elder said.

Residents of Chedepo Putuken say this is not the first time a violent confrontation has erupted in the mining fields. The unregulated nature of artisanal mining in the area often leads to disputes over ownership and profit-sharing among miners, many of whom work without formal oversight.

Local authorities have urged calm and are appealing to the public to assist investigators with any information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest.

The body of the deceased has been taken to a nearby medical facility for examination, while police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal altercation.

Community leaders are now calling for stronger regulations and conflict resolution mechanisms in mining zones to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Our young people need guidance and support. Too many lives are being lost over gold,” a resident said.

The tragedy has reignited debate over the safety and management of Liberia’s informal gold mining sector, which has been both a source of income and tension in rural communities like Chedepo Putuken.