Spare-parts dealer in court for alleged stealing

Cape Coast, June 21, GNA - A Cape Coast circuit court on Tuesday granted Robert Mintah, a second hand spare-parts dealer, 30 million cedis bail with two sureties for allegedly breaking into a spare parts store at Mankessim and stealing vehicle parts valued at 20.7 million cedis. Mintah, who pleaded not guilty to unlawful entry and stealing, will be re- arraigned on Friday July 8.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Hope Azasoo told the court, presided over by Mr Mustapha Logoh that, some time in March this year, the accused went to the 'Ata ne Ata' Auto Mechanic shop to buy vehicle parts. He said Mintah expressed interest in buying a gearbox head and some heavy-duty vehicle parts, but he was told that someone else had bought what he was asking for.

Chief Inspector Azasoo said, Mintah then bought a gearbox but later returned it, claiming that it was faulty. He alleged that three days after, thieves broke into the shop and stole vehicle parts including a DAF fan blade, valued at 700,000 cedis, a tipper truck tipping motor and a Man Diesel truck pump also valued at 3.3 and 1.5 million cedis respectively, as well as the items Mintah had requested. He said the owners of the shop therefore, became suspicious and reported the matter to the police and Mintah was arrested, but he denied any knowledge of the theft in his caution statement.