17-year-old boy shot at Salafest on admission at KATH

A 17-year-old boy is on admission at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) after he was shot by a suspected armed robber during this year’s ‘Salafest’ (to climax the celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr) in Kumasi last Tuesday night.

Earlier media reports that the victim, Abdul Karim Osman, had died were dismissed by hospital officials when the Daily Graphic visited the hospital Wednesday.

The Deputy Public Relations Manager of the hospital, Mr Ernest Abban, told the Daily Graphic that Osman was well and hearty.

Indeed, the victim was spotted sleeping with his head bandaged.

Osman was shot in the head by the unknown assailant at the event dubbed: ‘Gangara’ at a filling station near the Asawase branch of Melcom.

Eyewitnesses said suspected robbers stormed the grounds seizing mobile phones from their victims and they shot Osman when he refused to hand over his phone.

Osman was initially rushed to the Manhyia Hospital but was referred to KATH  because of following the severity of the injury.

Initial warning

Unconfirmed reports say the Zongo Chief of Asawase had warned the organisers and the owner of the facility where the event was held to refrain from going ahead with the planned celebration due to its potential of degenerating into confusion.

Unfortunately, the advice was turned down by the organisers.

The Manhyia Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Mr Kwaku Buah, said the police had mounted a search for the arrest of the assailant.