Crime & Punishment of Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Source: GNA

Two people bonded over hindrance of inquest

Nkawie (Ash) Nov.25, GNA - The Nkawie Circuit Court in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District has bonded two persons to be of good behaviour for 12 months for failing to inform the police before burying their dead relative who got drowned in River Offin. Kwaku Nuako, 62, the family head and Afua Yeboah, mother of the deceased will go to prison for 24 months each in default. They both pleaded guilty with explanation.

Police Chief Inspector Napolean Isaac Asherow, prosecuting said, on 21st October 2008, Nuako reported to the Adiembra Police that one Philip Boateng (now deceased) who was their nephew and son respectively went to farm but failed to return. Police Chief Inspector Asherow said the police advised them to organise a search party for their relative. Prosecution said on the same day, Nuako, the head of the family (Abusuapanin) informed the police that the deceased was found afloat in River Offin.

The police then visited the scene and indeed found the dead body in the River Offin. Prosecution said efforts by the Police to convey the body to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Mortuary (KATH) for Autopsy were prevented by the two accused persons including three others now at large. On October 22, 2008, the five people buried the deceased without informing the police, he said. Accused persons were arrested and after investigations they were charged. In their defence they said the body was buried by some of the youth in the town without their knowledge. 25 Nov. 08