Two suspected members of a car theft syndicate were killed in exchange of gunfire with police, while one suspect was arrested during an intelligence-led operation in the Ashanti Region.
The operation, carried out by the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle a criminal network linked to a series of vehicle theft cases in the region.
The deceased have been identified as Shangu Spirit and Long Story, who succumbed to their injuries at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital.
Police explained that William Opoku, also known as Father Blessing, was arrested during the operation at Ahwiaa near Kumasi after identifying hideouts used by him and his gang at Ahwiaa and Pankrono.
According to the police, the suspect admitted his involvement in several vehicle thefts during interrogation.
These included the stealing of a Toyota Corolla on the Anwiankwanta–Asanso stretch, a Police officer’s Toyota Corolla at Pankrono, another Toyota Corolla at Moro Market, and a white Toyota Corolla at Anloga Junction, all in Kumasi.
He subsequently led the police to recover the white Toyota Corolla from a workshop where it was undergoing repairs.
“He also confessed to involvement in the attack on a Police officer at Kronum Brokutu on 5th July 2025, during which an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition were stolen,” the police said in a statement.
The suspect further identified his accomplices as Prince alias Killer Wooah, Suley alias Shangu Spirit, Bonkro alias Okoronko, Aki, and Yaw Antwi.
Police proceeded to mount a follow-up operation on June 17, 2026, and spotted Suley alias Shangu Spirit, Bonkro alias Okoronko, and another suspect riding an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike.
During an attempt to arrest them, the rider allegedly knocked down a Police officer and opened fire while fleeing. Police returned fire, during which Suley alias Shangu Spirit and another suspect identified as Long Story sustained gunshot injuries, while Bonkro alias Okoronko escaped.
The injured suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital for treatment but were pronounced dead on arrival.
Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Suspect Suley alias Shangu Spirit has been linked to several car snatching and vehicle theft cases, including those at Anwiankwanta–Asanso, Anloga Junction, and Moro Market, as well as the attack on the Police officer.
The stolen AK-47 rifle is believed to be with William Opoku alias Father Blessing for safekeeping.
Suspect William Opoku is currently in Police custody assisting investigations, while efforts have been intensified to arrest the remaining accomplices and to recover the stolen vehicles, the AK-47 rifle, and ammunition.
