In a significant legal ruling, the Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced Samuel Agyiri, a 28-year-old pump mechanic employed by Samatex Timber and Plywood Company Limited, to five years in prison with hard labor. Agyiri was found guilty of causing unlawful damage and stealing electrical cables valued at GH¢137,046, belonging to his employer.
The case, presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, saw the prosecution led by Police Detective Chief Inspector Adams Mumuni present compelling evidence against the accused. The complainant, Aziz Yakubu, a security officer at Samatex Timber and Plywood Company Limited, played a pivotal role in apprehending Agyiri after the theft was discovered.
The Incident
According to the prosecution, the events unfolded on March 11, 2025, in Samreboi, located in the Wassa Amenfi West Municipality. On that morning, Peter Adakabilla, the manager in charge of the company’s powerhouse, noticed Agyiri loitering around an area known as "bars," where electrical cables were connected to the facility. When questioned about his presence, Agyiri claimed he had no specific purpose and was reassigned to work at the hogging yard.
Later that afternoon, at approximately 2:30 PM, Adakabilla observed Agyiri once again near the powerhouse despite having closed for the day. Suspecting foul play, the manager warned him to leave the premises. However, just an hour later, Adakabilla spotted Agyiri pushing a wheelbarrow toward the factory fence near the molding mill. Sensing something amiss, he confronted Agyiri, who abandoned the wheelbarrow and fled with an item wrapped in a polythene bag.
Arrest and Confession
The manager promptly contacted Aziz Yakubu, who pursued Agyiri on a motorbike and successfully apprehended him. Upon arrest, Agyiri confessed to stealing electrical cables and led Yakubu to a nearby bush where the stolen items were retrieved. He was subsequently handed over to the Samreboi police.
During his caution statement, Agyiri admitted to committing the crime, citing financial difficulties as his motivation for stealing. The stolen cables were later returned to Samatex Timber and Plywood Company Limited following the judge’s directive.
Legal Consequences
In her ruling, Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu emphasized the seriousness of the offense and sentenced Agyiri to five years imprisonment with hard labor. The verdict serves as a stern warning against theft and damage of property in workplaces while underscoring the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in professional environments.
Conclusion
This case highlights the critical role of vigilance and swift action in addressing workplace theft. The collaborative efforts of the manager and security officer ensured that justice was served and company assets were recovered. As businesses continue to face challenges related to employee misconduct, this ruling reinforces the necessity of robust security measures and adherence to ethical standards.
The sentencing of Samuel Agyiri is a reminder that financial difficulties should never justify illegal actions. Employers and employees alike must work together to foster environments of trust, accountability, and mutual respect.
-GNA
Curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
