Ex-convict dies in shoot-out with police
An armed robber was last Wednesday killed when he engaged the police in an exchange of fire in Bolgatanga.
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Apusika Atambasi, 30, the deceased, opened fire on the police who encountered him at his hideout in Zuarungu, a suburb of the Bolgatanga Municipality where he was being treated for multiple gunshot wounds he had sustained in stealing escapades.
Three others, who were said to be harbouring Atambasi, were also arrested.
They are Paul Anafo, 21, Abire Ayiguda, 33, the landlord of the house where the deceased was being harboured and treated and Emmanuel Anaba,17, the person who was treating the deceased at the time the police entered the house.
The police said Atambasi was an ex-convict and an elusive criminal who had been on their wanted list for years.
According to the police, he had unleashed armed attacks on residents of Bolgatanga and outside the Upper East Region to the extent that the mere mention of his name "Apusika" evoked fear and panic among residents in the region.
Police briefing
At a press briefing in Bolgatanga last Thursday, the Upper East Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Simon Afeku, explained that Anafo was arrested for offensive conduct.
According to Mr Afeku, during his arrest, Anafo proclaimed that he "would continue from where the deceased left off".
He said the police retrieved a revolver, a hammer and a sickle from the house.
Providing further details, the commander said around 3:45p.m. last Wednesday, the police upon a tip off went in search of Atambasi at his hideout at Zuarungu.
He said on entering the house, Atambasi started firing shots at the police and the police fired back, resulting in his death.
Advice
The Regional Police Commander advised residents, particularly health workers and herbal medicine practitioners, not to harbour such criminals.
"Our absolute interest is not to shoot and kill but when circumstances call for it then there is nothing we can do about that" he stated.