A 21-year-old man has been apprehended in connection with a suspected livestock theft syndicate after eight goats—most of them pregnant—were stolen fr
A 21-year-old man has been apprehended in connection with a suspected livestock theft syndicate after eight goats—most of them pregnant—were stolen from residents of Assin Okyiso in the Assin South District.
The suspect was nabbed in a nearby bush by community members after his accomplices fled, leaving him behind.
According to eyewitnesses, the young man and his group arrived in the area under the cover of night in a rented Toyota Camry with registration number GE 7075-23.
They allegedly targeted households where goats were known to be kept, capturing a total of eight animals.
Their operation, however, was cut short by alert residents who noticed unusual movements and raised an alarm.
The community mounted a search, which led to the arrest of the suspect while his colleagues escaped into the dense bushland.
The stolen goats, along with the vehicle used in the operation, were retrieved and transported to the Assin Darmang Police Station.
Unfortunately, one of the goats—a pregnant one—died shortly after being recovered, reportedly due to stress or mishandling during the theft.
Police at Assin Darmang have since launched a full investigation into the case, treating both the vehicle and the surviving goats as key evidence.
The arrested suspect remains in custody and is assisting with efforts to track down the remaining members of the group.
Community members say this is not the first time goat thefts have occurred, though this is one of the more brazen attempts in recent memory.
While the motive behind the crime is yet to be fully established, some residents and local leaders have pointed to broader social issues—ranging from youth unemployment to moral decline—as possible contributing factors.
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