Galamsey operator remanded for alleged assault on elderly woman

A small-scale miner accused of assaulting an elderly woman has been remanded into police custody by the Tarkwa District Magistrate Court as investigations continue.

The suspect, Vitus Nsore, 24, is set to reappear before the court on March 21, 2025. His plea has not yet been taken.

Presenting the case, Police Sergeant Douglas Addae told the court, presided over by Mr. Charles Owusu Nsiah, that the victim, a 56-year-old farmer, resides in Amoanda with her family and Nsore.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on February 9, 2025, around 1:00 a.m. when a heavy downpour led to a power outage, plunging the community into darkness.

Taking advantage of the blackout, Nsore allegedly entered the victim’s room undetected and launched a violent attack. He is said to have physically assaulted her, covered her mouth, and forced himself on her.

Sergeant Addae further stated that after the assault, Nsore attempted to silence the victim permanently. He locked her inside, threatening to return with a knife to end her life.

Despite her weakened state, the victim managed to escape through a window and cried out for help. Her screams alerted her children and a neighbor, Anthony Kwofie, who rushed to her aid.

A search for the suspect initially proved futile, but later, with the help of concerned residents, Nsore was apprehended and handed over to the Huni-Valley Police, where the victim had already reported the incident.

Following his arrest, Nsore was transferred to the Western Central Regional Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) for further investigation. The victim was issued a medical report form and directed to the hospital for examination and treatment.

The form, later endorsed by a medical officer at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital, was returned to the police as evidence in the case. Investigations are still ongoing.