Tarkwa: The Circuit Court in Tarkwa, presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, has sentenced 20-year-old miner Augustine Alavi to 15 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for defiling his friend’s eight-year-old sister.
According to Ghana News Agency, Alavi pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement, admitting to sexually assaulting the young girl in an uncompleted classroom. Police Detective Chief Inspector Adams Mumuni, the prosecutor in the case, explained that the complainant is the victim’s mother, while Alavi is a friend of the victim’s elder brother. They all reside in the same vicinity in Asankragwa, in the Western Region.
The incident occurred on May 4, 2025, around 9:00 pm, when the victim was returning home from evening class. Alavi encountered her and persuaded her to follow him to the All-Saint Preparatory School compound, under the pretense of showing her something. Familiar with Alavi, the victim followed him to the school premises, where he lured her into an uncompleted classroom and assaulted her on wooden planks.
Detective Chief Inspector Mumuni stated that, after the act, Alavi instructed the victim to dispose of her stained underwear and warned her against revealing the incident. As they were heading home, they encountered the complainant, who was searching for her daughter. The victim then disclosed the ordeal to her mother.
The prosecutor further explained that the complainant, with assistance from some residents, apprehended Alavi and brought him to the Asankragwa police station. An official complaint was lodged, leading to Alavi’s re-arrest and detention for investigation. A medical form was issued for the victim’s examination, which confirmed the defilement on May 5, 2025.
Alavi admitted to the offence in the presence of an independent witness and guided the police to the crime scene, recounting how he committed the act.