In a recent ruling, the Tarkwa District Magistrate Court Two, presided over by Mr. Isaac Osei Asare, sentenced Theophilus Fameye, an 18-year-old small-scale miner, to 18 months of imprisonment with hard labour for unlawfully entering a room and stealing an iPhone 11 valued at GH¢2,600. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of theft and the importance of safeguarding personal property.
The case unfolded when the complainant, Stephen Omare, a student residing in Bompieso in the Western Region, left his iPhone 11 charging in his room on the night of Monday, January 12, 2026. Due to a malfunctioning fan, Omare decided to sleep in his father’s room adjacent to his own, inadvertently leaving his door unlocked.
The following morning, Omare discovered that his phone had been stolen. Attempts to contact the device proved futile as it had been switched off. Subsequently, Omare and his father received information suggesting that Fameye, a resident of the same neighbourhood, was in possession of the stolen device. Acting on this tip-off, they approached Fameye at his residence. Fameye retrieved the phone from his room and handed it over to the complainant.
The matter was promptly reported to the Aboso Police Station, where a formal complaint was lodged. Following investigations, Fameye was charged with unlawful entry and stealing. During his arraignment before the court, he admitted to both offences and pleaded guilty.
In delivering its judgment, the court sentenced Fameye to 18 months of imprisonment with hard labour. The sentence underscores the court’s commitment to upholding justice and deterring criminal activities within communities.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance in securing personal belongings and emphasizes the consequences of engaging in unlawful acts. It also serves as a cautionary tale for individuals who may consider resorting to theft as a means of resolving personal challenges.
Authorities continue to encourage members of the public to report criminal activities promptly and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure safer communities.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
