Augustine Kofi Owusu, 28, who pleaded not guilty to the charge was remanded into prison custody and would reappear before the court on November 05, 2024, while Kwabena Nsiah 31, who pleaded guilty, was remanded into police custody and would reappear before the court on October 31, this year.

Their accomplice, Naomi Bruwaa, 32, who was charged with abetment of crime, pleaded not guilty and would reappear before the court on November 05, this year, while Abenaa Pokuaa, another accomplice is on the run.

Police Chief Inspector Ruth Gborson told the court presided by Mrs Philomina Ansah Asiedu that the two brothers were illegal miners at Nweneso Number One, where the complainant, the Chief Executive Officer of Fredua Mining Company, operated.

She said on October 10, this year, at about 2:40 pm, Owusu and his accomplice, who is at large, armed with a gun and cutlass laid ambush on the route from the mine site to the Nweneso township and when one Kelvin Twumasi and Prince Adu, workers of the complainant arrived at the spot, they pounced on them and forcefully collected unrefined gold valued at GH¢120,000 and bolted.

The prosecution said the two called the CEO and he reported the matter to the Hwidiem police on October 15, this year, following which Owusu was arrested from his hideout.

However, in his caution statement, Owusu denied it and said he only helped his accomplice to collect her pay, which was GH¢10,000 from the company, but the money had been stolen from his room by his brother, Nsiah.

The Prosecution said Owusu, therefore, led the Police to arrest Nsiah, who admitted taking GH¢5,100 from the total amount as it has been the practice between him and the brother.

They were therefore charged after investigation and brought before the court.

 

gna/mjo