E/R: 23-year-old farmer brutally killed, family demand answers

The family of Bismark Awatey Kabutey, a 23-year-old man brutally killed by a mob in Teshie, a suburb of Accra is demanding justice.

This tragic incident occurred on July 28, 2024, after Kabutey had attended a wedding and birthday party in Accra.

Kabutey, a native of Aboa-Lower, a farming community in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region, had gone to the events with his friend, Junior.

According to eyewitness reports, the events leading to the tragedy unfolded late at night as Kabutey and Junior attempted to return home.

Junior, who witnessed the harrowing attack, shared what happened: “Bismark was drunk, so a friend hired a taxi to take us home. On our way, there was some kind of misunderstanding between Bismark and the driver. Suddenly, the driver stopped the car and started shouting ‘Thief! Thief! Thief!’ Within moments, a crowd gathered, armed with stones, clubs, and other weapons. They didn’t ask us any questions; they just started attacking Bismark.”

Despite Junior’s desperate attempts to explain that they were not thieves but guests at a wedding, the mob ignored his pleas. “I went on my knees, begging them, but they wouldn’t listen. Some of them even started hitting me. I had no choice but to run for my life through the back of a building,” Junior recounted.

After managing to escape, Junior was unable to find Kabutey. The next day, he was devastated to learn that Kabutey’s lifeless body had been found in Accra and taken to the Police Hospital Mortuary.

A formal report has since been lodged with the Police at Teshie.

The family of Bismark Awatey Kabutey is now demanding justice, urging the police to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to account. “We are heartbroken and in shock. Our brother went to celebrate with friends and never returned. He was not a thief. We need justice for Bismark,” a family spokesperson said.

Bismark, who once aspired to be a goalkeeper, had to give up his dream after it didn’t materialize. He worked as a farmer in his village to support his family.