Mankranso (Ash), Jan. 28, GNA - Four farmers and a herbalist, all from Mpasaso Number Two in the Ahafo-Ano South District were on Tuesday remanded by a magistrate's court at Mankranso for stealing. Akwasi Addai, Karim Zugu, Kofi Attah, Awudu Salifu, all farmers and Bagabila, the herbalist, all pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy and stealing and will re-appear on February 8.

Police Inspector I.K. Dampson told the court presided over by Mr Frank Owusu-Afriyie that on January 18, this year, the accused persons approached one Akwasi Tweneboah and asked him to lead them to the shrine of the late Okofo Tawia since there was gold at the shrine.

He said the accused persons promised to reward Tweneboah with a car and cash of one billion cedis if he led them to the place. He feigned agreement.

Inspector Dampson said Tweneboah who suspected the accused persons to be armed robbers, managed to get to Nana Ampofo Twumasi III, chief of the town and reported the case to him and he in turn reported to the police.

He said the police together with some volunteers hid in Tweneboah's house and when the accused persons got to the house, they were arrested.

Inspector Dampson said when a sack the accused persons were carrying was searched, items including a hoe, two sticks, talismans and some 'juju' materials were found in it and after investigations they were charged with the offence.