Suspect in police cells steals an inmate's shoes

Kumasi, April 27, GNA - A 19-year-old unemployed, who found himself in the Oforikrom police cells for causing harm, exhibited unusual bravery to steal a pair of shoes belonging to an inmate of the cell, when he was lucky to be granted a police enquiry bail. Frank Nyamekye has been jailed eight months by a Kumasi circuit court.

Nyamekye, who was in the cell for causing harm to one Kwasi Sarpong on the day of his bail, cleverly decided to steal the shoes of Kofi Mensah, which he had admired when they both were in the cells, this he did by swapping his with that of Mensah, with a promise to return them, when he reported himself at the station the following day.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) William Awuvey, who prosecuted, the theft was detected when it was the turn of Mensah to be bailed and Nyamekye had not returned with his shoes. He said accused was re-arrested when his grandmother owned him up as the one who stole Mensah's shoes and was subsequently charged on two counts of stealing and causing harm to which he pleaded guilty. Nyamekye was therefore, convicted on his own plea and in addition to the prison term, fined one million cedis, which is to serve as the medical expenses of Akwasi Sarpong, first complainant in the case. He will in default serve an additional 12 months in prison.

Further giving facts on the original charge of causing harm, DSP Awuvey told the court presided over by Mr Richard M. Kogyapwah that Nyamekye, who suspected Sarpong of having an affair with his girlfriend warned him to stay away from her.

Since Sarpong did not heed the accused warning and was seen with the girl on March 25, this year, Nyamekye was angered by his stubbornness and also moved with jealousy, attacked Sarpong with a pair of scissors inflicting a wound on his right wrist.