Kumasi, Aug. 14, GNA - A 24-year old trader, Akua Afriyie has gone on trial at a Kumasi Circuit Court accused of cutting open another lady's hand bag and stealing an amount GH¢1,700 at the Kumasi Central Market.

She pleaded not guilty and was remanded into prison custody to re-appear on August 26.

Police Inspector Philip Bebli told the court presided over by Mr Richard Mac Kogyapwah that, the complainant, Afia Kobi is a house wife whilst Afriyie is a trader. They are all resident in Kumasi. On August 8, this year, the complainant was sent by the head of her family to buy some items in preparation for an impending funeral. He said Afia kept the money in her hand bag and at the entrance to the market, Afriyie and three others now on the run, succeeded in cutting open the bag with a kitchen knife and picked the money. The complainant, who felt Afriyie's hand in her bag managed to hold tightly to it as she raised the alarm. With the help of others the accused was arrested but her three other accomplices bolted with the money. Police Inspector Bebli said when Afriyie was sent to the Central Police Station, the knife used for the operation was found on her during a search. She also admitted committing the offence during interrogation by the police. Meanwhile, her family had refunded GH¢400 of the stolen amount to the court. 14 Aug. 09