Two remanded for robbery

Accra, Sept. 1, GNA - Two armed robbers who stabbed two businesswomen and tied up a watchman in a bid to break into a forex bureau at Tesano were remanded in custody on Wednesday by an Accra Fast Track Court.

Sumaila Alhassan, alias Kojo and Kwesi Viala, both unemployed, pleaded not guilty to two counts of robbery and will reappear on September 3, before the court presided over by Mr Justice George A. Aryeetey.

Ms Marina Atuobi, State Attorney, told the court that at about 0130 hours on October 9, 2000, the two robbed Madam Jacqui Anderson of her mobile phone.

They also robbed Madam Promise Akosua Steven of her handbag containing two mobile phones, a camera, a passport and cash 1,100 dollars and 150,000 cedis.

Madam Anderson said while seeing off her friend, Madam Steven, after they had returned from a funeral, they saw some young men at the entrance of the house, which also accommodated a forex bureau. The witness said she saw a taxi and a private car parked in front of the house.

Madam Anderson said the accused persons then pounced on the two of them. Alhassan cut her wrist with a knife and snatched her mobile phone. The accused person also slashed her thigh with the knife. She said Madam Steven was chased and her back was slashed with a knife and her bag containing the phones and money was snatched from her. All this while, the watchman was tied with rope and gagged. The witness said people around saved them and she was taken to the police station where she lodged a complaint and then to the hospital. Madam Anderson said she was invited by the police to identify the cars. She was again invited to identify the accused persons at an identification parade.

During cross-examination by Mr Peter Dei Offei, Counsel for Alhassan, the witness said her attackers numbered between six and seven. She said her friend has since travelled out of the country. Madam Anderson said at the time of the incident, Madam Steven lived at Tesano. 1 Sept. 04