Two men held over stealing of cosmetics and shoes

Tema, Dec. 16, GNA - A porter and a farmer, who broke into a container shop, at Sebrepo, near Michel Camp and stole cosmetics, shoes and sandals estimated at 3.7 million cedis have been remanded into custody by the Tema Circuit Court 'A'.

Tyani Kubi, 20 and Kojo Awuni, 21, pleaded not guilty on charges of conspiracy to steal and stealing. They will reappear on January 10, 2005.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Sarah Aggrey Acquah told the court presided over by Mr Charles Asiedu that, on November 20, 2004, the complainant closed from work at 2200 hours, locked up her store and went to bed.

She said Kubi, who lives in the same house with the complainant monitored her, went to Ashaiman where he met others, conspired with them to break into the container.

Chief Inspector Acquah said, they moved to Sebrepo, broke into the container through the window and stole assorted cosmetics products, men's shoes and slippers all valued at 3.7 million cedis. She said a witness, who saw the movements of the suspects behind the store, raised an alarm, but the accused persons managed to run away with their booty, leaving some of the items under a tree, which was 35 meters away from the container.

The items including a pair of trousers, slippers and a cutlass were collected by the complaints and report was lodged with the Ashaiman police whose investigations led to the arrest of Awuni.

Awuni confessed that Kubi recruited him, and two others now at large to carry out the operation. Their booty was sold for 500,000 cedis. The prosecutor said Kubi sensing danger went to Awuni with the money, and told him not to disclose those who took part in the robbery, if they were arrested.