A 20-year-old dancer, Charles Ashietey alias Zaga, has been detained by the Tema police for allegedly attempting to kill a junior high school OHS) student for rituals at Abonkor, a suburb of Tema Newtown in the Greater Accra Region.

The victim, Daniel Nortei, also a dancer, was said to have sustained multi­ple deep cuts in his throat, palm and abdomen as the suspect, who is believed to be his (victim's) friend, attempted to use a knife to kill him.

A search conducted in the room of the suspect by the police revealed a wooden doll, a stinking beheaded snake, eggshells and powder, which was sprinkled around the room.

Tema Regional police spokeswoman, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Juliana Obeng, who confirmed the inci­dent to Daily Guide, said that on Sun­day, July 31, 2016 at about 1:30 am after a dance rehearsals, Daniel Nortei decided to pass the night with Charles Ashietey because he was tired after the rehearsals.

According to her, at about 4:00 am, Daniel, who was asleep, felt a sharp pain in his throat, and when he woke up he saw Charles Ashietey holding a knife and try­ing to slit his throat.

ASP Juliana Obeng said Daniel strug­gled with his friend, resulting in multiple cuts in his (Daniel's) palm and abdomen. She indicated that Ashietey was overpow­ered and the victim escaped from the room.

The police PRO said the victim rushed to his auntie's house before he lodged a formal complaint with the Tema Newtown District police, adding that he was issued with medical report form to go for treat­ment at the Tema General Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

The suspect, according to the PRO, admitted ownership of the knife and the items in his room, but was unable to tell the police why he decided to sprinkle the powder in the room; and denied owner­ship of the snake which he said belonged to a friend who wanted to eat it but he stopped him (friend) from doing so and seized it.

She claimed that the suspect was in police custody assisting with investiga­tion and would be arraigned before court after instigations had been completed.