The West Hills Mall in Accra’s management has clarified the sequence of events that led to the death of a 32-year-old man on its premises.
The police have launched an investigation after a video of the incident went viral.
The Mall issued a statement explaining that its surveillance system captured the officer’s attempts to apprehend Mr. Arloo.
According to eyewitnesses and Mall security, the officer suspected Mr. Arloo of having illegal substances in his possession and asked to search his bag.
According to witnesses, the suspect took something from his bag and swallowed it, resulting in an altercation.
According to the Mall’s cameras, an initial struggle occurred as the officer attempted to handcuff the suspect.
The suspect eventually stopped struggling and appeared ill.
He was taken to the on-site medical facility, where he was pronounced dead.
“The West Hills Mall management is shocked by this unfortunate incident. “We express our heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and trust that the Police will handle the situation appropriately,” the Mall’s statement continued.
PRESS STATEMENT
On Monday, January 30, 2023, there was an incident at West Hills Mall.
West Hills Mall’s management hereby confirms that an incident occurred on its premises in the afternoon of Monday, January 30, 2023, which unfortunately resulted in a fatality.
According to eyewitnesses and mall security personnel, a visitor was approached by a Police Officer and asked to present his bag for examination at approximately 3:15 pm on January 30, 2023. The officer ostensibly suspected the customer, a young man between the ages of 25 and 30, of possessing drugs or prohibited substances. According to reports, the young man paused, took something from his bag, and swallowed it as the officer approached.
The 24-hour security surveillance system at West Hills Mall captured footage of the officer apprehending the young man and another man who accompanied him as they approached the mall’s main entrance. A struggle between the parties occurred while the Police Officer attempted to handcuff the young man.
He was eventually handcuffed, but he no longer struggled and appeared ill after that. The cuffs were then removed from his hands by the police, and Mall Security arranged for transportation to the on-site medical facility. Sadly, when Medics arrived, he was pronounced dead.
The deceased’s body has since been recovered by the Weija District Police.
The Management of West Hills Mall is shocked by this ill-fated incident. We convey our sincerest condolences to the deceased’s family as we trust that the Police will handle the matter further.
Thank You.
Olympio Agbodza
Assiastant Asset Manager,
West Africa Asset Management