Tepa, Nov. 9, GNA - The Tepa District Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old cobbler, who has been raping women at knife point in the area. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Emmanuel Adu Boahen, District Crime Officer, told the Ghana News Agency that Hamza Mohammed was arrested by the Unit Committee of the area on November 4, upon a tip off. He said a driver's mate, who suspected Hamza of stealing a sheep he was transporting to Kumasi gave the police the hint. Upon his arrest, the ex-convict, who had already served a two-year jailed term slapped on him by a Tarkwa Court for stealing a goat, was identified by one of his victims, a 30-year-old farmer.

ASP Boahen explained that, Mohammed had been on police wanted list for the past two months and was identified by the scars on the face, hand and leg. The Crime Officer said on September 2, this year, at about 1530 hours, Hamza raped one of his victims at knife point at Subriso Forest in the Tepa District when she was working on her farm. He stated that after the act, Hamza went into hiding and continued terrorizing women in the area.

A report was made to the police who mounted surveillance on him. ASP Boahen said the activities of the suspect put fear in the women, who stopped going to their farms or walking long distances to fetch water. In his caution statement, he admitted stealing the sheep and being an ex-convict but denied raping the women. Mr Boahen said after investigation Hamza would be arraigned. 10 Nov. 09