Otumfuo Sad Over Kumasi Zongo Killings

THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has tasked the police administration to properly investigate the circumstances leading to the death of some seven persons in Manso-Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region.

According to the him, prober investigation into the matter is set to bring lasting peace and tranquility to the area.

He made this known when the Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu, visited the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Friday.

The seven people were killed last week when the police opened fire on them, claiming they are robbers.

Kumasi, especially the Zongo areas of Asawase, had become trouble spots ever since the seven suspected robbers were gunned down by the police.

The incident happened at Manso Nkwanta, where the suspects were said to be planning to rob some people, last Tuesday afternoon.

Otumfuo, during a closed-door meeting with the IGP and other government officials was said to have called for proper investigations into the matter to ensure peace.

Sources at the palace said the Asante Monarch said he was not happy about the rowdy acts that had been going on in the Zongo areas since the shooting incident.

He, however, stated that calm and peace would eventually be restored if thorough investigations are done about the shootings and deaths.

Mr. David Asante-Apeatu, was said to have assured Otumfuo that the police administration would work hard to ensure that the truth comes in the case.

The police chief also stated that the police administration had sent a forensic team from Accra to assist in investigations in what led to the shootings.

Gov’t Begins Probe

Meanwhile the government has set up an independent committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the killing of the seven people who police claim are armed robbers.

The committee was announced shortly after a government delegation visited Manso-Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region to commiserate with families of the deceased persons and those of some policemen who were shot days earlier.

Police opened fire on the deceased persons they claimed were armed robbers.

The incident happened a few days after armed robbers shot and killed a policeman and injured another in the same vicinity.

The regional police command claimed the deceased persons opened fire on them and they returned fire.

The families of the deceased persons have disputed the claims that their relatives were armed robbers.

The president has however assured that the government would enforce the recommendations of the committee report on the killings.

By: Akwasi Boakye