Military beat police officers at Suame after they arrested soldier who committed traffic offence
Police and military officers clashed at the
Suame suburb of Kumasi on Friday over the arrest of a military officer for
flouting traffic regulation.
Nhyira News sources say the
incident occurred at about 10:40 am after Police MTTD officers
arrested the military officer for riding an unregistered motorcycle at a
spot near the Wesley College (WESCO).
Subsequently, some military officers
stormed the Suame Divisional Police Headquarters and assaulted police officers
in an attempt to free their colleague from custody.
Whilst being interrogated, the military
officer is said to have made a phone call, alleging he had been assaulted by
the arresting officers.
Police sources say although the officer
produced a military identity card, it was not enough to grant him freedom
from the police.
Few moments later, a team of military
officers arrived at the police station and pleaded for the release of
their colleague.
Two other military officers appeared at the
scene and started beating the police officers and attempted to free
the accused from lawful custody.
A police patrol team arrived at the scene
to whisk the suspect, a staff sergeant, to the Ashanti Regional Police
headquarters.
Suame Divisional Police Commander,
Superintendent, Emmanuel Asiamah declined comments and referred the team to
the Regional Police Public Relations Officer.
The action of the military officers created
a scene as tens of people trooped to the place to witness the unfolding event.
Some eyewitnesses claim they heard gunshots
in the ensuing clash but this cannot be independently verified.
At the time of the news team’s visit to
the Suame Divisional Police Headquarters, calm had been restored, but some
residents were still idling at the scene.
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Police
Public Relations Officer, ASP Godwin Ahianyo says he is waiting for
clearance from his superiors to speak to the issue.