The police in the Western Region have slapped the Ellembelle District Chief Executive, Kwasi Bonzo with three charges; conspiracy to commit a crime, assault and resisting arrest.
This comes days after Mr Bonzo, his personal assistant, and one other person were placed under police investigation for the disappearance of two mining excavators in the district.
Yesterday’s arrest occurred when the DCE caught wind that the police had recovered an excavator similar to what had been reported missing.
He moved in to supposedly identify the earthmoving equipment in the early hours of the day.
Reports indicate that the DCE was ignored when he came in to try and verify the machines’ ownership.
There, Kwasi Bonzo is said to have confronted the security officials resulting in a scuffle.
Eventually, he was bundled into a police vehicle and transported to the headquarters in Sekondi.
In a post on social media, the police explained that a team of operations and intelligence officers working day and night discovered the missing excavator several kilometres into a forest within the Ellembelle District.
“The Police through days of intelligence operations yesterday, September 6, retrieved one of the excavators that were reported missing from Ellembelle.”
The statement further explained that “while the team of police officers were escorting the excavator to Takoradi, at the Axim Junction, the DCE of Ellembelle, Mr Kwasi Bonzo organised and led some thugs to attack the police and obstruct the operation. The DCE and three others were therefore arrested accordingly.”
Investigation continues to recover the other excavator and arrest all those who are connected to the case for prosecution.
Lawyer for the DCE and the other suspects had a difficulty having access to her clients initially but was eventually allowed in. She managed to secure bail for the DCE but the other suspects spent the night behind bars and are all expected to be arraigned before court today.
Earlier, there were accusations and counter accusations between the police and the DCE as to the whereabouts of the excavators. Initial reports suggested that the excavators were parked at the police station but mysteriously got missing.
The Divisional Commander was in the media furiously parrying away any blames and accusations and having some heated exchanges over the case which was under investigation.
The Divisional Commander has since been interdicted for such conduct which the hierarchy described as unprofessional.
SOURCE theGhanaianVoice
