A grim incident unfolded in the Kwahu South Municipality of the Eastern Region, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals allegedly struck by stray bullets fired by the police during a confrontation to disperse an agitated crowd.
The clash occurred at the chief’s palace, where the police were attempting to apprehend a murder suspect accused of heinous crimes in the community.
The suspect in question is 23-year-old Kwasi Tenkorang, identified as an ex-convict. Sources reveal that Tenkorang is accused of raping and murdering a 45-year-old woman named Akua Kyerewaa.
The alleged crimes extended to the murder of two other individuals in Adwumasu, a farming community within the Kwahu South Municipality.
During the incident at the chief’s palace, a 65-year-old brother of the victim, Kwasi Antwi, attempted to rescue his sister during the confrontation and tragically succumbed to fatal injuries after being struck on the head with a metal bar.
Eyewitnesses, including one identified as Frederick, who was on his way to the farm, narrowly escaped harm after witnessing the harrowing incident and being pursued by the suspect.
The fugitive, Tenkorang, was eventually apprehended on Sunday, February 4th, and taken to the chief’s palace. However, upon learning of the suspect’s arrest, members of the community stormed the palace, demanding his immediate release for what they considered to be instant justice. The police, responding to the escalating situation, managed to prevent the release of the suspect.
Growing impatient with their demands unmet, community members reportedly began pelting the police with stones, resulting in the destruction of a service vehicle and four police motorbikes.
In an attempt to disperse the agitated crowd, the police fired warning shots, inadvertently injuring five people. Tragically, two of the injured individuals succumbed to their wounds, while the remaining three are currently receiving treatment at the Kwahu Government Hospital in Atibie.
The incident has left the community in shock and mourning, raising questions about the use of force in crowd control situations. Authorities are urged to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the clash, ensuring transparency and accountability. The bereaved families and the affected community await answers and justice for their lost loved ones.