A 20-year-old man who attempted beheading his friend for ritual purposes has been arrested by the Tema Police.
Charles Ashitey who is a cultural dancer was arrested by residents of Tema Newtown and handed over to the police.
A search conducted in his room by the police revealed the decomposing head of a snake, eggshells, a wooden doll and powder sprinkled around the room.
Briefing newsmen about the incident, the Tema Regional Police Public relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Juliana Obeng, said on July 31, a 19 year old Junior High School student, Daniel Norteye joined the suspect for dance training at Tema Newtown which lasted into the night.
She said the victim feeling third after the training decided to pass the night at the Ashitey’s house.
According to her, the victim around 4am was awakened by a sharp pain from a sharp knife cut to his throat.
According to the PRO, to the victim’s surprise he saw Ashitey with a knife trying to behead him.
DSP Obeng, said the victim put up a fierce struggle with the suspect and managed to escape with wounds in his palm and on his abdomen.
She said the victim rushed home with the knife and informed his aunt about the incident and with assistance from those around, a complaint was made to the police at Tema Newtown.
According to her the police gave him a medical form and asked him to visit the Tema General Hospital where he was treated and discharged.
DSP Obeng said after Ashietey was arrested, he was taken by police to his residence where they found the decomposing head of a snake, eggshells, a wooden doll and powder sprinkled around the room.
During interrogation, she said, the suspect told the police that the head belonged to a friend who was going to eat it but he impressed upon the friend to give it to him.
However the police said Ashitey could not tell what he was going to do with the items found in his room.
The PRO said the suspect claimed ownership of the knife when it was shown to him and pleaded with the police to deal leniently with him as he did not what came upon him to make him attempt to kill his friend.
DSP Obeng said Ashitey would be put before court as soon as investigations were completed.
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