A 31 year-old Togolese illegal miner (galamsey operator), Dodzie Amevor, who hails from Nuepe, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for stealing 15,000.00 Ghana Cedis belonging to a Ghanaian trader.
He pleaded guilty with explanation but the court in its ruling rejected his explanation.
Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Edward Paddy told the court presided over by Mr. Samuel Obeng Diawuo that the complainant Isaac Awortwe deals in cement and resides in the same vicinity with the convict at Dompim-Pepesa in the Tarkwa Nsueam municipality.
He said in June, this year, the complainant told the convict that he wanted to trade in cement and the convict opted to assist him get the cement from either Aflao, Togo or Benin.
Inspector Paddy said after some few days of discussion, the two left for Benin and while there the convict introduced one Jeron as his brother who will help them procure the goods.
According to the Prosecutor, Jeron and the convict took the complainant to a cement shop and demanded that he gave them money to enable them buy the items.
He said the complainant gave 4 million CFA Franc which is equivalent to 15,000.00 Ghana cedis to the convict to enable him provide the cement as they have planned.
Inspector Paddy said as soon as the convict received the money, he disappeared with his brother.
The Prosecutor said on November 2, the convict returned to Dompim and was arrested by the Tarkwa Police. Inspector Paddy said after investigation, he was charged with the offense.