Veronica Djoazaa, a 40-year-old trader and bar operator, has been sentenced to ten years imprisonment for the manslaughter of Anthony Apurum. A seven-member jury found Djoazaa guilty following a trial before Justice Marie-Louise Simmons.
The incident occurred on October 2, 2021, in Zenu, Ashaiman. A dispute arose between Djoazaa and Apurum, a 48-year-old public servant, at Djoazaa's drinking spot. During the altercation, Djoazaa threw an empty Coca-Cola crate, striking Apurum on the head.
Apurum sustained severe head injuries and profuse bleeding. He initially received treatment at a local facility and was discharged the same day. However, his condition worsened on October 8, 2021, necessitating admission to Tema General Hospital, where he subsequently died.
A post-mortem examination conducted on December 12, 2021, by Dr. Eric Dumfeh, a pathologist at Tema General Hospital, attributed the cause of death to blunt head trauma, classifying the death as "unnatural." Following the post-mortem, Djoazaa was arrested and subsequently charged with manslaughter.
During the investigation, Djoazaa led authorities to the crime scene where the implicated empty crate was recovered. The prosecution presented evidence detailing the events leading to Apurum's death, including witness testimonies and medical reports. The court, having considered the evidence presented, delivered the ten-year sentence. The case highlights the potentially fatal consequences of violent actions stemming from seemingly minor disputes.
