Crime & Punishment of Wednesday, 10 July 2013

Source: GNA

Court frees two on fraud charge

Two gold mining labourers, Kwasi Sika, 39, and Kwame Akufo, who were charged with attempting to defraud a gold dealer by false pretences have walked out of the Kade District Magistrate’s Court free men.

They both pleaded not guilty. They were discharged because the complainant whose name was not given had thrice failed to show up in court.

The Magistrate, Mr Abdul Majid Iliasu, therefore struck out the case saying the complainant had lost interest in the case and the accused were entitled to their freedom.

Police Prosecutor Inspector D.D.T Wayoe, told the court that at about 1200 hours on April 19th two men went to the office of the complainant to sell gold to him.

On examination, the dealer detected that the gold was fake and, therefore, had them arrested and handed over to the police for investigation.

In a caution statement to the police, Sika said it was a friend who gave the gold to him at Agona Swedru and he asked Akufo to accompany him to Boadua to find a buyer.