AFELL Demands Justice in Toni Khumalo Jackson’s Death, Condemns Alleged Domestic Violence
March 15, 2026
Monrovia: The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) condemns the alleged domestic violence that led to the death of Madam Ntombi Toni Khumalo Jackson, a South African national. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, the people of South Africa, and all those mourning this devastating loss.
AFELL acknowledges that Mr. Samuel P. Jackson, a Liberian politician and the spouse of the deceased, was named a prime suspect by the Liberia National Police (LNP) on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
As the LNP investigation continues, AFELL urges all relevant authorities to handle this matter with the utmost professionalism, impartiality, and transparency to ensure justice prevails. According to reports, Madam Jackson died at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital after being transferred from Catholic Hospital, where she was initially rushed for emergency brain surgery.
While Mr. Jackson has stated that he found his wife unconscious and promptly sought medical care, the circumstances surrounding the injuries that necessitated such critical treatment remain unclear. The circulation of graphic images depicting lacerations on her body has further heightened public concern.
Howbeit, AFELL believes the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Madam Jackson serve as a painful reminder that violence against women remains a critical national concern that demands decisive and sustained action. We call on the Liberian National Police and all relevant justice sector institutions to conduct a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Madam Jackson’s death.
The investigative process must be free from delay, interference, or undue influence. Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done. In this regard, the protection and security of witnesses and individuals with relevant information must be fully guaranteed.
AFELL further reminds the Government of Liberia of its legal obligations under national laws, including the Domestic Violence Act, as well as its commitments under international and regional human rights instruments.
These include but are not limited to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol).
The different instruments obligate the Government to take concrete steps to prevent violence against women, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and provide access to justice for victims and their families. AFELL also calls on the government and other stakeholders to ensure strict respect for the dignity and privacy of the deceased. We urge all media institutions, social media users, and members of the public to refrain from circulating graphic images, private photographs, or sensitive personal information relating to Madam Jackson.
Responsible reporting and respectful public discourse are essential in preserving the dignity of the deceased and supporting the grieving family. At this difficult time, AFELL stands in solidarity with the Government and people of South Africa, particularly the Khumalo family, and with all women and families affected by domestic violence.
This tragic incident should also make us pause and reflect as a nation. Violence against women is still a serious problem in our society, and silence or indifference only allows it to continue. Liberia must continue to strengthen its institutions, enforce its laws, and promote a culture that respects the dignity, safety, and rights of every woman.
AFELL therefore emphasizes that justice for Madam Jackson is not only about one case, but it is also about reaffirming our collective commitment to ending violence against women and ensuring that every woman in Liberia can live free from fear. We remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of the rights and dignity of women and girls in Liberia, and we will continue to closely monitor the progress of this investigation.
About AFELL The Association (AFELL) was established on February 10, 1994, during Liberia’s civil crisis when the collapse of legal systems left women and children particularly vulnerable to abuse and injustice. Born out of this urgent need for legal protection, AFELL has grown over three decades into Liberia’s preeminent organization championing gender equality and access to justice through its unique composition of female legal professionals and its dual approach to direct legal services coupled with systemic advocacy.
Registered as a non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political organization under Liberian law, AFELL operates through its two foundational pillars: the Legal Aid Clinic which provides crucial pro bono representation to indigent clients who cannot afford legal services, and the specialized Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) unit that leads the fight against gender-based violence through litigation, policy reform and survivor support programs.
Our membership consists exclusively of Liberia’s female lawyers, judges, and legal practitioners who volunteer their expertise to advance AFELL’s mission of protecting women’s rights, children’s welfare, and equitable access to justice.
