Man in court for threatening rival with death

A 28-year-old brick moulder who set ablaze the container of his rival for rescuing his girlfriend during a scuffle has appeared before the Circuit Court at Adentan.

Daniel Sodzi, accused, threatened to kill Victor Brentuo, the rival, saying, “I will kill you spiritually or physically.”

Charged with threat of death and causing unlawful damage, Sodzi pleaded not guilty.

The court presided over by Mrs Sedinam Awo Balokah admitted Sodzi to GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties and a warning for him to stay away from the complainant.

Prosecutor, Chief Superintendent of Police, Patience Mario, said the first complainant, Victor Brentuo, was a painter residing in a kiosk at Ashongman while the second complainant, Margaret Opoku, a 52-year-old trader, also resided at Ashongman.

The court said the accused resided in the same neighborhood at Ashongman with the two complainants.

Chief Sup Mario said Ivy Kojodie was Brentuo’s ex-girlfriend and also the accused’s current girlfriend and they lived together in the community.

Prosecution said Brentuo slept in a kiosk belonging to one Payin, a seamstress, who had travelled and left the kiosk in the care of Brentuo.

Chief Supt. Mario said on May 22, this year, Sodzi assaulted Ivy, his girlfriend, and she sought refuge at Brentuo’s place.

Prosecution said Sodzi found out that Ivy had passed the night at Brentuo’s place, so he threatened to kill Brentuo either physically or spiritually to the hearing of other people within the community.

On May 24, this year, at about 1:00am, prosecution said Sodzi went to Brentuo’s kiosk, which contained sewing machines and other valuable items, poured petrol on the kiosk and set it ablaze.

Chief Supt. Mario said the fire spread to Margaret Opoku, the second complainant’s kiosk, and same got burnt.

Prosecution said the following day, the accused informed Brentuo that he had set the kiosk on fire.

The two complainants reported the matter to the police and the accused was arrested. According to prosecution, Sodzi in his caution statement admitted the offence. -GNA