Forty-three suspects have been arraigned before the Buipe Magistrate Court in connection with the killing of General Constable Redeemer Owusu at Gindabour, following days of unrest that began with the death of a local teacher.

The Court Appearance

The suspects were arraigned on Friday and charged with murder and abetment of the murder of a public officer. According to JoyNews, a bus transported them to court that afternoon, where some relatives, particularly those from Damongo, were seen in tears as the suspects were taken in.

Separately, police said a male suspect arrested on Thursday night with a locally manufactured pistol and locally made ammunition would face charges of murder and unlawful possession of a firearm before the Damongo Circuit Court.

The Savannah Regional Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of 36 suspects in connection with the attack, saying they were assisting with investigations, before the total number arraigned rose to 43.

How the Unrest Began

The chain of events was triggered by the death of a teacher, identified as Seidu Abu, following an encounter with police officers at Gindabour. According to earlier accounts, the teacher was riding a motorbike when he encountered the police and was later found dead.

His death sparked anger among some residents, who attacked police officers in the community, resulting in the killing of General Constable Owusu. Police said the bodies of both the deceased officer and the motorbike rider were conveyed to the Damongo Morgue for preservation and autopsy.

IGP Visits Affected Community

Inspector-General of Police Patrick Tetteh Yohunu has since arrived in Gindabour with personnel from Police Headquarters. He is expected to meet the chiefs of Gindabour and Kog, who have remained in the community with their immediate families after many residents reportedly fled amid the unrest.

Police have deployed investigators, intelligence officers and reinforcement teams to the area to support ongoing investigations and maintain security.