Regional News of Saturday, 27 December 2003

Source: GNA

Forest ranger in police grips over poacher's death

Ejura (Ash), Dec 27, GNA- Isaac Linge, a Forest Ranger, who allegedly shot dead a poacher in the Kogyae Strict Natural Game Reserve, has been placed in police custody.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) William Awuvey, the Ejura-Sekyedumase District Police Commander, who briefed the Ghana News Agency (GNA) of the incident at Ejura on Wednesday, said Linge and a colleague, on December 12, went on a poaching patrol in the Kogyae reserve.

He said the rangers came face to face with a group of poachers and ordered them to put down their weapons and raise their hands but the poachers failed to comply and instead fired at the rangers. DSP Awuvey said in self-defence, Linge fired at one Ibrahim Nona, killing him instantly.

He said the Ejura police were later informed of the incident went to the scene and arrested Linge after he had allegedly admitted killing Nona in self-defence.

The District Police Commander said the police collected the gun, ammunition and other items from Linge and deposited them at the Ejura police station.

The deceased, he said, has since been buried after post-mortem examination.