In a tragic turn of events, Gideon Vitlas, a 24-year-old cleaner, is set to stand trial in an Accra High Court on May 22, 2024, for his alleged involvement in the death of Patience Quaye, a 35-year-old cashier at Twumasiwaa Hospital. The young Nigerian is facing a charge of murder following the Attorney General’s advice, and the proceedings are expected to be closely followed by the public.
During a committal proceeding, Vitlas is to face the serious accusation of murdering Quaye, a single mother who worked at the hospital in East Legon, Accra. The Attorney General’s representative has stated that the state will bring forward five witnesses, including Mohammed Mubarak, who had been previously detained during the investigations. Mubarak, a co-worker of the hospital, is alleged to have conspired with Vitlas to commit the crime.
Vitlas, however, has maintained that he only intended to steal money from the hospital and had no intention of causing harm to the deceased. It has been revealed that Vitlas was dismissed from his position at the hospital for alleged pilfering and was warned not to return. Despite this warning, he allegedly continued to sneak into the hospital premises with the help of Mubarak to engage in criminal activities.
The prosecution has presented a detailed account of the events leading up to Quaye’s tragic demise. It is alleged that on March 7, 2023, Vitlas followed Quaye into the Administrator’s office, where he proceeded to strangle her before concealing her body in a storeroom. He then purportedly stole a substantial amount of money and Quaye’s mobile phone before making his escape.
Following a thorough search by the victim’s relatives and hospital management, the police discovered Quaye’s body in a state of decomposition. Vitlas managed to evade authorities for a brief period but was eventually apprehended in Koforidua. Upon his arrest, he confessed to stealing the money, selling the phone, and leaving the stolen cash with a friend for safekeeping.
The upcoming trial will undoubtedly shed further light on this distressing incident and provide an opportunity for justice to be served. The gravity of the allegations and the tragic loss of life make this case a matter of great public interest. As the proceedings unfold, it is imperative that all parties involved conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism and respect for the legal process.
The trial of Gideon Vitlas serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of upholding ethical conduct and the rule of law within our society. Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Patience Quaye during this difficult time. As the legal process takes its course, we hope for a fair and just resolution that honors the memory of the victim.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
