Sogakope Police nab man for serial robberies

A 27-year-old man, William Tovor, is in the grip of the Sogakope Police in the South Tongu District in the Volta Region for allegedly robbing some residents at gunpoint.

The suspect is said to have engaged in a robbery spree at Kudzekope, a village near Sogakope last Wednesday, where he attacked the victims, one Esther Mawusi Afaglo, a nurse; Miss Elorm Dabla, an Immigration Officer, and Emma Tengey, a trader.

Modus operandi

According to the police, Tovor, who was armed with a locally manufactured pistol, used a cement block to break the doors of two of his victims to gain access to their rooms.

Tovor also shot the right arm of the nurse and robbed her of a mobile phone and other valuables. He then shot through the door of the immigration officer, hitting her in the abdomen.

After attacking the third victim in her room, the suspect dragged her into a nearby bush and raped her.

The Sogakope District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Dennis Fiakpui, said the police were alerted of the situation and quickly moved to the village to launch a manhunt for the suspect, with the assistance of the community, which led to his arrest, after a long scuffle.

Some items found on him included the mobile phone belonging to the nurse, a pistol, seven live AAA cartridges and three used empty ones.

Meanwhile, all the victims and those who sustained injuries during the scuffle with the police have been sent to the Sogakope District Government Hospital and are responding to treatment.

Chief Supt Fiakpui said his outfit would continue with investigations to apprehend other persons who may be operating with the suspect.

Residents speak

Some residents of Sogakope who spoke to the Daily Graphic said they were living in fear because of the shooting and robbery incidents in the town.

The residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said about a month ago a young lady in her twenties was shot at Nana’s Lodge, a guest house in Sogakope New Town, by unknown assailants.

A fuel station shop attendant, who gave her name only as Helena, said she now closed at 8 p.m. instead of the usual 10 p.m. because of these attacks.