KEY POINTS
- Abdul-Rahman Mohammed, a 54-year-old farmer, was killed by suspected cattle rustlers in Gbagbagbunto.
- The victim identified the suspects before being shot, and his death was confirmed at St Anne Catholic Hospital.
- The family demanded a refund for the autopsy, citing religious reasons, and received the GHS6,000 back.
A 54-year-old commercial farmer, Abdul-Rahman Mohammed, was shot and killed by suspected cattle rustlers in Gbagbagbunto. The incident occurred in the Busunu community, part of the West Gonja Municipal area, in the Savannah Region.
The West Gonja Municipal police confirmed the death and investigated the situation after receiving a report from the Busunu police station.
Details of the shooting and the victim’s final moments
Municipal Commander ASP Charles Aninagyei stated that the deceased had three gunshot wounds on his stomach and abdomen. “Police rushed him to St Anne Catholic Hospital, where Dr. Haruna confirmed his death. An autopsy will be conducted on the body,” he stated.
Acording to MyJoyOnline, Dari Osman Thomas, the Assembly Member for Busunu, confirmed the events, stating that the deceased was shot after recognizing the suspects.
Police investigation and family dispute over autopsy payment
The shooting occurred after the caretaker of the cattle informed the victim about the rustlers’ invasion. When the victim arrived at the scene with his brother, he saw that two bulls’ meat was cut for transport.
As soon as the suspects saw them, they shot at them. The victim identified the suspects before being shot, which left him unconscious. The residents reported the incident to the community chief, who invited the police to the scene.
There was later drama at the police station when family members demanded a refund for the autopsy fee. The family, claiming the deceased was a Muslim, argued that the autopsy was unnecessary and was refunded the GHS6,000 paid for it.