General News of Thursday, 13 November 1997

Source: --

Ho Youth Demonstrate Against Mechanic's Death

Ho (Volta Region), 10 Nov. Mr. Napoleon Ocloo Djaba alias Rasta, a 40-year-old chainsaw mechanic was shot dead at about 11 p.m. yesterday at Ho Bankoe during a combined police and military operation to clamp down on crime. His body has been deposited at the Ho Government Hospital mortuary. His death has triggered off protest demonstrations by a section of the youth in the area calling for justice. Mr. Theophilus Kofi Nyala, a spokesman for the demonstrators told the press that Djaba was shot dead when he came out of his room to find out from the operational team their reason for beating up a young man called Kudjoe who lives in the same house with him behind the Ho Bankoe Mobil filling station, popularly called ''Ginger'' house. The Ho District Police Commander was not available for his comment on the incident. However, a policeman who does not want to be names, said Djaba attacked the operational team who had gone to arrest alleged wee dealers in the area. Meanwhile, Captain George Nfodjo, Ho District Chief Executive, has advised the demonstrators to avoid violence in their attempt to register their displeasure about the incident. Capt. Nfodjo was able to prevail on them to disperse peacefully with the assurance that the district security committee will meet to deliberate on the incident.