CID probes cop's death

Page 3: Daily Graphic, March 17, 2009.
Story: Albert K. Salia
A DRIVER of the Pwalugu Regional Police Training School died under uncertain circumstances at the Armoured Squadron Unit Barracks at Tesano in Accra last Friday.
The deceased, Lance Corporal Hope Kofi Ofori, was alleged to have shot himself in the police vehicle, with registration number GP 2135, which was parked at the barracks about 9 p.m. last Friday.
Two empty shells from the AK47 assault rifle he allegedly used to shoot himself were retrieved by the police.
He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Police Hospital, after some personnel who had rushed to the vehicle upon hearing the gunshots found him in a pool of blood.
The acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mrs Elizabeth Mills-Robertson, has consequently directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to take over investigations into the death.
The deceased was said to be in Accra on official duties and he decided to pass the night at the barracks.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that prior to the incident, the deceased was alleged to have been screaming that he was being haunted by some gods.
Police sources, however, said the death could have been accidental, especially if the policeman was not properly trained in the handling of weapons.
The Director of Police Public Affairs, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kwesi Ofori, said the police could not be categorical about the circumstances leading to Lane Corporal Ofori’s death.
He said it was on that basis that the IGP had directed the CID to take over the investigations from the Tesano Police.