Ten armed robbers hold workers hostage; loot company's money

Tema, Jan 27, GNA - Ten armed robbers, casually dressed, last Saturday morning held the employees of Sethi Brothers Ghana Limited (SBGL) at the Tema heavy industrial area hostage, and took away the company's two days sales, mobile phones and other vital documents. Briefing the GNA at Tema on Monday, Mr Jag Kholi, Manager of the SBGL, said the operation lasted only two minutes.

He said with the exception of a lady secretary who was kicked three times in the stomach, no other person was hurt nor any property damaged. The Manager said about 10.30 am Saturday, the robbers who were wearing casual shirts over trousers with hats on, entered through the gate pretending they wanted to buy some products. Unknown to the workers, some of the robbers had taken position at vantage points in and around the yard, while the rest rushed and pounced on the workers in the offices, and ordered them to lie on the floor with their hands raised, all at gun point.

The guns were pointed close to their necks, the Manager said, adding that "one gun one worker". The workers were then instructed to produce keys to the vault or risk losing their lives, therefore he, Mr Kholi willingly asked one of the robbers to dip his hands into his pocket and removed it. The robbers quickly opened the vaults and drawers, looted them, snatched mobile phones and vital documents from some of the management staff, and sped away in a Mitshibishi Pick Up that they had parked within the yard.

The Manager said the Pick Up, without registration number was later abandoned at an area near the First Battalion of Infantry (Michel Camp). He said after the two minute exercise they informed the police who rushed to the scene.

The Executive Director of Sethi Group of Companies, Mr Charles Sethi said the robbers cut off all the cables around before starting their operation, but officials of the Electricity Company of Ghana were later called in to reconnect it.

Mr Sethi commended the Tema police for their prompt response. He however appealed to the Tema Regional Police Commander to consider opening a police post within the heavy industrial area to enable personnel respond promptly to such incidents in order to save lives and properties.

The Tema Regional Police Crime Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joshua Dobegda confirmed the crime and said the police were investigating.