The Achimota Circuit Court in Accra has sentenced a 30-year-old artiste, Prince Botwe, to 18 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for robbing a woman of her Hyundai Elantra at the Accra-Tema Motorway.
The court, presided over by Judge Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong, found Botwe guilty of robbery in connection with an incident that occurred on February 22, 2024, at the 18 Underbridge section of the motorway.
The vehicle, belonging to the complainant, Ann Muzumilla Anabah, an entrepreneur residing at Spintex in Accra, was valued at GH¢160,000.
The prosecution was led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Ahiale, while Detective Corporal Richard Tetteh Amanor investigated the case.
According to the prosecution, the complainant was driving her Hyundai Elantra, with registration number UE 1996-20, towards East Legon at about 11:30 a.m. when she reached the 18 Underbridge section of the Accra-Tema Motorway.
Botwe, who was standing by the roadside, allegedly signalled to her and claimed that there was a problem with one of her car tyres.
The complainant stopped to check the alleged fault, but Botwe allegedly approached her, pushed her and forcibly entered the vehicle.
The prosecution told the court that Botwe pulled out a knife and a pair of scissors and threatened to kill the complainant if she made any noise.
The complainant struggled with him inside the vehicle as he attempted to take control of the car.
During the struggle, Botwe allegedly stabbed her left hand with the knife and bit her on the back.
The prosecution said the complainant eventually became weak, allowing Botwe to drive away with the vehicle while she was still inside, struggling to call for help.
The court heard that police officers on patrol along the Accra-Tema Motorway were alerted to the incident by other road users.
The officers rushed to the scene, but Botwe allegedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes upon seeing them.
He was pursued and arrested by the police on the same day.
Botwe was subsequently cautioned over the offence, while the stolen Hyundai Elantra was retrieved from him and taken to the police station to assist with investigations.
He was charged with robbery, contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The court subsequently sentenced him to 18 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
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