A 62-year-old illegal miner is facing legal consequences for a heinous crime, as he poured a liquid suspected to be acid on his former girlfriend, Victoria Salamatu Safia, aged 35, in Prestea, Western Region.
The perpetrator, John Tandoh, also known as Kojo Egyaguma, has been sentenced to 20 years of hard labor by the Tarkwa Circuit Court after pleading guilty to the charge of causing harm during his first appearance before Judge Hathia Ama Manu.
According to reports by GNA, Tandoh has a history of similar offenses. In 2012, he was sentenced to 16 years but was discharged on amnesty in June 2020 after serving eight years. Tandoh and the victim worked together as partners in an illegal mining site in Prestea for about a year. They had been living together after Tandoh proposed love to Victoria, and she accepted.
However, their relationship took a dark turn, with Tandoh’s behavior becoming increasingly hostile. Victoria, sensing the deteriorating situation, decided to end the relationship. On October 20, 2023, a dispute between them escalated, leading to a horrifying act of violence.
After a brief departure, Tandoh returned to the mining site with a concealed bowl, leading Victoria to believe it contained food. Instead, he launched an attack, pouring a liquid suspected to be acid on her head, face, and other parts of her body. The victim suffered severe burns and was rushed to the Prestea Government hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment.
A witness at the scene attempted to apprehend Tandoh, but the assailant brandished a knife, threatening violence, and managed to escape. Later that day, Tandoh was arrested from his hideout and handed over to the police in Prestea.
The court, acknowledging the severity of the crime, sentenced Tandoh to 20 years of hard labor. This case serves as a stark reminder of the grim consequences of domestic violence and the importance of legal accountability in addressing such heinous acts.