Suspected thieves forced to clean gutters by Sekondi-Takoradi residents

In Sekondi Takoradi, some neighbourhoods have taken justice into their own hands as alleged petty thieves, often accused of stealing livestock, are caught by residents and punished outside the formal system.

Community watchdog groups formed after repeated thefts now patrol at night and sometimes hand suspects over to neighbours rather than to police.

Those caught are frequently beaten or made to perform communal work such as sweeping and cleaning choked gutters.

Supporters say the measures have reduced the number of theft reports, and many victims welcome the swift response.

Patrol members say they once handed suspects to the police but turned away after seeing arrested people released, which left them feeling powerless and frustrated.

A video shared with local media shows a 23-year-old tied by the waist and forced to scoop rubbery waste from a clogged drain while others shouted and struck him.

He later told reporters that he had been selling fowls for quick cash and had taken them from a nearby town.

“The fowls belong to my grandmother. I stole it from Sekondi and had gone to New Takoradi to sell it,” he said.

However, critics warn that such informal punishments risk escalating into violence and can target innocent people.

Residents, therefore, urge a stronger police presence, better market oversight for stolen animals, and faster case handling so communities do not feel forced to choose between insecurity and taking the law into their own hands.