Aflao, May 24, GNA - Doctors at the Ketu District Hospital at Aflao have scrambled to save the life of a 22-year old pregnant woman who was stabbed several times in the abdomen by her brother in-law, Joshua Vedzesu.

Mrs Janet Vedzesu, who had a week to deliver, suffered deep cuts two of which penetrated her womb and severed the umbilical cord resulting in the death of the baby.

Dr Asare Bediako, Medical Officer in charge of the hospital, told the Ghana News Agency that Janet was brought to the hospital on May 3 in a coma and immediately operated on her to remove the dead baby. He said a second operation was carried on her as a result of cuts of some intestines. Janet suffered seven deep cuts, one in the chest and six in the abdomen.

Dr Bediako said Janet had been transferred to the Volta Regional Hospital at Ho.

Mr Baba Moro, the Aflao Police District Crime officer, told the GNA that Janet had been married to Mr Christian Vedzesu, the assailants elder brother, for the past one-and-half years and lived with him in the family house at Aflao.

He said on May 3 Joshua, without provocation, verbally attacked Janet blaming her for being the cause of her brother's inability to provide his needs.

Joshua dashed for a knife and stabbed Janet and later attacked a 14-year girl. He was overpowered and handed over to the police.