Two young washing bay attendants have been sentenced to eight years in prison each after admitting to stealing a customer’s Hyundai Santa Fe worth GH₵250,000.
The pair, Kwabena Tawiah and Bismark Asiedu, both 22, were convicted by the Amasaman Circuit Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal and causing damage to the vehicle. The presiding judge, Ms Enid Marful-Sau, noted their early admission and said the court appreciated that they had not wasted judicial time.
The incident unfolded on 24 April 2025 when Madam Agnes Azametsi, a businesswoman from Satellite, dropped off her SUV at a washing bay where Tawiah and Asiedu worked. She informed them she would return shortly after a trip to Accra.
But when she came back, both the car and the attendants were gone.
After filing a report at the Adjen Kotoku Police Station, officers launched a manhunt that led them to Nkawkaw on 30 April. The duo were arrested at around 9pm and later helped police trace the stolen vehicle to the residence of one Dennis Debrah, also known as “Capone”, in Pemenasi.
Although Debrah was initially arrested for dishonestly receiving the stolen SUV, the court found no evidence directly linking him to the theft and subsequently discharged him.
The vehicle, however, had not escaped unscathed. Police said its bumper, fender mould, fog light, and petrol tank cover were all damaged, an outcome the thieves attributed to reckless driving during their attempted getaway. Further investigations revealed the two had even sold off parts of the car, including a jack, wheel spanner, and rim, for just GHS100 to buy fuel.
Their ultimate goal, the court heard, was to sell the car in Kumasi. But when they ran out of cash, they sought GHS2,000 from Debrah, offering the car as collateral.
Speaking after the ruling, a police source said the sentencing should serve as a deterrent: “This wasn’t just theft; it was a serious breach of trust. Customers should feel safe leaving their vehicles in the care of others.”
Madam Azametsi declined to speak publicly but was said to be relieved the case had been resolved.
