In recent legal news, Setsoafia Kudzu, a 25-year-old carpenter's apprentice, has failed to appear in court as scheduled on Monday, July 1, 2024. Kudzu was granted bail by the Sogakope Circuit Court after being charged with the defilement of a child under 16 years old, as outlined in section 101 of the Criminal Offenses Act 29/60 as amended by Act 554: section 11.
The case was brought to light by the mother of a 10-year-old girl, a class four pupil, who suffered severe injuries and infections in her genital area following an alleged encounter with Kudzu. The victim spent several days receiving medical treatment at the Sogakope District hospital.
Despite pleading not guilty to the charge during his initial appearance in court, Kudzu was notably absent from Monday's proceedings. One of his sureties, Innocent Gbedzi, informed the court that Kudzu had been missing for several days and had been unreachable for the purpose of serving him with relevant case disclosures ahead of the hearing.
Additionally, it was revealed that Kudzu's wife and children had also been absent from the community for an extended period. Consequently, the prosecution, led by D/Inspr. Nene Oman V, requested the court to issue a bench warrant for Kudzu's arrest.
In response to the prosecution's request, His Honor Joseph N. McAli Jr presiding over the court granted the issuance of the bench warrant.
In light of these developments, it has been reported that the victim and her mother have been relocated to an undisclosed location by the police to ensure their safety. This decision was made following unwarranted attempts by members of the community to intimidate and frustrate them.
The case of Setsoafia Kudzu serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rights and safety of minors within our communities. The legal proceedings surrounding this matter will continue to unfold as efforts are made to bring Kudzu to justice and ensure the well-being of the victim and her family.
-source Starrfm | curted by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
