I was mad - rapist tells court

A 25-year-old man, Sulemana Abdul Rahaman, standing trial before a Sunyani High Court for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl in the bush, said he was insane at the time he committed the crime.

Sulemana who pleaded guilty with explanation, said because of his state of mental health, he could not realise what he did until he was treated and told of what had happened by the police. He has consequently appealed to the court to discharge him.

The high court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, directed that Sulemana be sent to the Sunyani Hospital for medical examination to ascertain whether he suffered form mental disorder.

Prosecuting, Chief State Attorney, Mr B. Cab-Beyuo, told the court that on March 31, 1997, the victim went to the farm at Wenchi with her younger sister. On their arrival, Sulemana approached them and said he heard some noise and thought they were thieves.

The prosecutor said the girls continued with their work thinking Sulemana would go. Mr Cab-Beyuo said Sulemana suddenly held the victim’s hand, dragged her to a distance and forcibly had sex with her.

The prosecutor said Sulemana threatened to kill the victim if she disclosed the incident to anyone. Mr Cab-Beyuo said after raping the girl, Sulemana went into hiding until he was apprehended by the police.

On his arrest, he told the police that he was not mentally sound and was therefore sent to his hometown for treatment. Sulemana was sent back into custody pending the outcome of medical examination.