Two men, Evans Kwame Owusu, 32, and Nicholas Kwadwo Opanka, 22, a driver and a sawmill operator respectively, have been jailed 18 months each for stealing GH¢1,500 from a shop at Assin-Fosu, in the Central Region.
Owusu and Opanka were charged with two counts of conspiracy to steal and stealing when they appeared before the Assin-Fosu District Court, presided over by Mr Abdul Majeed Illiasu.
The convicts, pleaded guilty on both counts and prayed the court for leniency.
Chief Inspector Gilbert Ayongo said the complainant was Ms Rebecca Serwaa, a trader dealing in mattresses in Assin-Fosu and a resident of Assin-Nyankumasi.
The convicts are residents of Fete-Kakraba and Kasoa-Opeikuma.
According to prosecution, the convicts who conspired to steal, travelled from Kasoa to Assin-Fosu to steal from traders and shop owners.
Chief Insp Ayongo said on Friday, July 1, Ms Serwa received the convicts in her shop in a brisk attempt to buy mattresses, but as Owusu pretentiously bargained with her, Opanka pulled one of the mattresses to divert Ms Serwa’s attention.
Prosecution said in the process, Opanka dipped his hand into Ms Serwa’s handbag and stole GH¢1,500.00 after which they left with the excuse to withdraw money from mobile money account, but never returned.
Chief Insp Ayongo said Ms Serwa realised her money had been stolen and reported to the police.
The two were arrested when a witness in the case spotted them in town later and raised the alarm. – GNA
