A 25-year-old rotational nurse in Koforidua in the Eastern Region has been raped at knife point and robbed of her savings by a 22-year-old man identified only as Kwame, who is now in police custody.
According to police reports, the victim, whose name is being withheld for security reasons, lives in the same family house as the suspect. On the day of the incident, Kwame allegedly lured her from her room by claiming someone was looking for her in front of the Yiadom Hwedie Palace of the New Juabenmanhene.
While the nurse was away, the suspect is said to have quickly changed his clothes, put on a mask, and entered her bedroom. Upon her return, Kwame allegedly brandished a knife and ordered her to undress. He then forced her into a degrading position and sexually assaulted her.
After the attack, Kwame reportedly demanded all the cash in her possession. Out of fear, the victim handed him over GH¢1,000, her personal savings. He further demanded a mobile money transfer, but she informed him that she had no funds in her account.
The suspect fled the house immediately after the assault and went into hiding. Despite his attempt to conceal his identity with a mask and disguise his voice, the victim was able to recognise him. She reported the incident to the police, prompting an immediate search for him.
Kwame later appeared at the police station in the company of his father, reportedly to plead for forgiveness. However, police officers placed him under arrest on the spot.
Eyewitness accounts said the victim, upon seeing her attacker at the station, went into shock and began convulsing. Overcome with emotion, she is alleged to have slapped him several times.
Police issued a medical report for the victim to receive treatment and gather forensic evidence. Following investigations, Kwame was formally charged with rape, robbery, threat of death, and threat of causing harm.
He was arraigned before the Koforidua court, which remanded him into custody to reappear at a later date.
Police say investigations are ongoing.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke