Police smoke out 10 robbers from hideouts

Accra, Sept. 29, GNA - Ten suspected robbers, including four minors, were on Thursday rounded up by the Police at their various hideouts in Accra in a dawn swoop. The suspected robbers believed to be members of the gang of "Wounded Lion," a notorious armed robber who engaged the Police in a shoot out at Adabraka, last August 26, are Kwasi Ofori, 31; William Habiaa, 18; Richard Kafui and Nuhu Yakubu, both 23; Clement Kofi Gbedemah, 24 and Eric Darko 20. Two of the minors are aged 16 years while the other two are aged 17 years.

Briefing the press in Accra, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kofi Asiedu, Greater Regional Commander, said the robbers were arrested at Abeka Free Pipe; North Kaneshie; Old Weija and Fadama. ACP Aseidu said during the operation, Police retrieved one locally manufactured pistol with live ammunition and wrappers of Indian hemp. He commended the role of some useful informants, who had been assisting the Police to apprehend criminals at their hideouts. The Regional Commander called for more support from the public to enable the Police to clamp down on activities of criminals hiding in various areas in Accra.

He commended the effort of some communities including South Ofankor and Okpoi Gonno, who had purchased vehicles for the Police to use for patrols.

ACP Asiedu urged other communities to come together and assist the Police to curb crime through the formation of watchdog committees and naming of various streets to ensure accessibility in times of distress. "The Police are not sleeping; we are putting in efforts to control crime," he said, adding: "With time we will overcome the situation in the Metropolis."

ACP Aseidu expressed regret about delays in the prosecution of criminals saying that 500 persons were on remand. He said an identification parade would soon be held for the 10 suspected robbers.