PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ NTOMBI TONI KHUMALO
The death of South African attorney and entrepreneur Ntombi Toni Khumalo Jackson in Liberia has triggered an expanding criminal investigation, with Liberian police confirming that her husband, economist and political commentator Samuel Jackson, is now considered the prime suspect as authorities work to determine what happened inside the couple’s Monrovia home.
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Liberia’s National Police have stepped up their investigations after authorities say the circumstances around the death are unusual and raise concerns.
Central News reports that Samuel Jackson was moved from being a person of interest to a formal suspect following initial investigation results that led to more thorough examination.
Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman explained that the detention formed part of routine legal procedure while detectives continue gathering evidence in what police believe could be a possible homicide investigation.
Authorities conducted several examinations at the residence in Sinkor, later shifting focus to the couple’s Old Road home.
During multiple forensic checks, investigators said they found signs that blood had been removed from a bedroom floor, a discovery that is now a key part of the current examination.
Police sources further linked a possible sharp-edged weapon to injuries sustained by the victim, though officials stress that final conclusions will depend on forensic and medical results still under review.
Household staff members remain in custody as persons of interest while investigators piece together a timeline of events.
Front Page Africa reports that an autopsy has already taken place, even though the suspect‘s lawyer objected, saying they weren’t properly represented during the process.
Police defended the process during a press briefing in Monrovia, emphasising openness throughout the investigation.
Inspector General Coleman told journalists:”We have nothing to hide, this is open and transparent process that’s ongoing.”
Authorities noted that additional toxicology testing may be required overseas before a definitive cause of death can be confirmed.
Investigators indicated that further updates could be released within 72 hours once additional results are reviewed.
Although Samuel has since been released to his legal representatives, restrictions remain in place. Police confirmed he surrendered all travel documents and must remain in Liberia while the investigation continues.
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Earlier accounts suggest Samuel told reporters he discovered his wife unconscious and rushed her for treatment. She was initially taken to Catholic Hospital, where emergency brain surgery was performed, before being transferred to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Monrovia.
She later died at the facility, prompting intensified police involvement and diplomatic attention.
Liberian authorities confirmed that the residence remains sealed as an active crime scene under police guard while evidence collection continues.
Ntombi Toni Khumalo Jackson, widely known as Toni, built a reputation across legal, political, and entrepreneurial circles in South Africa.
Born and bred in Gauteng, she qualified as an attorney of the High Court and led her own legal practice, NK Attorneys (Toni Khumalo Attorneys Inc.). She also held two master’s degrees obtained in Pretoria.
Her public service career included serving as a Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament between 2021 and 2024, alongside participation in municipal governance within the City of Johannesburg’s mayoral committee for Corporate and Shared Services.
Beyond politics and law, she maintained business ventures and community initiatives, and recently celebrated the launch of a ride-hailing service named ‘Toni’s Ride.’
She also held a traditional leadership title within the Amantungwa/Nguni cultural lineage.
Meanwhile, Ntombi’s family in South Africa has begun coordinating meetings in Gauteng and plans to travel to Liberia to follow proceedings closely.
First published by Cape {town} Etc
Compiled by Lulama Klassen
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