Slain Officers: Perpetrators will be brought to book – Bawumia
Vice president of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has assured families of the two slain police officers at Kasoa that the perpetrators of the act will be pursued and brought to book.
His comments come after Sgt. Michael Gyamasie and L/CPL Awal Mohammed were shot and killed by suspected robbers on Wednesday at Gomoa Buduburam, near Kasoa in the Central region.
Three suspects are being held over the crime with another on the run.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of the late Lance Corporal Awal Mohammed in Kumasi, Dr. Bawumia said he is confident the police administration will bring closure to the case.
“I have full confidence in the IGP and his men to work hard to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to book. We are going to go after the attackers,” Dr. Bawumia assured.
He added: “In this particular case, three persons were arrested a few hours after the incident and one of the suspects is on the run. Those who have been arrested will face the full rigours of the law and those still on the run will be relentlessly pursued. They can run but they cannot hide. ”
He reiterated that a GHC 10,000 bounty has been placed on the head of the man alleged to have killed the officers.
Dr. Bawumia promised that government will equip the police service to enable officers discharge their duties without fear, assuring them that personnel of the MTTD will now be armed.
“In the last month 5 unarmed police officers have been killed by criminals in the line of duty. This is unacceptable and the government will not sit down for this to continue. Henceforth all officers of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will now be armed to ensure their protection,” he stressed.
Also, he indicated all police officers who go on “outside duties” will now be armed with weapons, bullet proof vests and helmets to be able to protect themselves.
He revealed that government is retooling the Service to make it more efficient citing a number of interventions already put in place.
Dr. Bawumia has appealed to the general public to support the police “to enable them to effectively discharge their mandate.”
“They deserve our support. Whilst we are sleeping in our homes they continue to protect us at the risk of their own lives. Once again, our hearts are with you, the family, ” he said.