The Ashanti Regional Criminal Investigations Department has taken over investigations into the alleged rape of a woman who died from the ordeal at Buokrom in Kumasi.
Thirty-seven year old plantain chips seller, Naomi Opoku’s body was dumped on a street by her assailants on Saturday.
Four suspects, including two juveniles and their grandmother as well as a mason believed to have committed the alleged crime are in police custody over the incident.
The deceased was said to be drunk off of a local gin, Akpeteshie, at a nearby drinking bar before being subjected to sexual abuse by the suspects.
In a swift response, police at Buokrom Estate picked up the four suspects, including the juveniles.
The two adults have been identified as 36-year old mason, Emmanuel Afriyie and 60-year-old Margaret Aborah.
They are being held on provisional charges of conspiracy to commit murder and rape.
"Preliminary investigations into the death of Naomi established that, on 28th December, 2018 at about 5:30 p.m while hawking plantain chips, went to a drinking spot of suspect Margare Aborah in a state of drunkenness and ordered the granddaughter of suspect Margaret Aborah to serve her with three tots of local gin popularly called ‘Akpeteshie.’”
Police say the deceased became unconscious after taking the liquor forcing the two juvenile suspects to carry her into their room to let her rest to regain consciousness.
"Suspect Emmanuel Afriyie who was sitting at the drinking spot having taken some tots of local dry gin saw the deceased being carried to the room by the two juveniles and sneaked into the room where the deceased had been sent; took advantage of her condition and had sexually intercourse with her."
Ashanti Regional Police Command says it is expanding the scope of investigations, pending autopsy on the body.
ASP Godwin Ahianyo is Command Spokesperson
“The two juveniles had information on suspect Afriyie's act and quickly followed up to the room and caught him in the act but looked on amidst giggling. Suspect Margaret Aborah was informed but failed to report it and left the deceased to her fate until 29th December, 2018 at about 5:30 a.m. Suspect Margaret Aborah and the two juveniles went to the room of the deceased and found her dead. The 60-year old suspect conspired with the grandsons, carried the liefeless body of Naomi and dumped her on the street about 100 meters from the drinking spot," he explained.
ASP Ahianyo assures the public of thorough investigations as police look for more suspects.
"Every case that comes before us we make sure we investigate to the latter and get the culprits involved arrested. This is a case of death and names have been mentioned. We have picked persons and we are taking statements from them. At the moment it is at the district level but the regional crime officer has been informed and docket would be forwarded to the regional level."
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased is devastated by the tragic and shocking development as relatives mourn the deceased.
The victim’s family welcomed sympathisers to her family house at Kenyasi-Brofoyeduru.
The family suspects other people may be complicit in the crime.
Family spokesperson Afua Takyiwaa says the family has lost a gem who loved all.
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