An attempt by the chief of Sanga, a village near Peki in the South Dayi District of the Volta Region, to provide alternative settlement of a case of theft brought to his attention, has backfired and resulted in the gruesome stabbing of the crime victim by the suspect.Narrating the details of the incident at the crime scene, an eyewitness Mr. Agbavitor Atidoglo said Mr. Kwesi Eklo, popularly known as "Ghana Boy" allegedly stole a chicken belonging to one Toge Kwablavi on Monday October 15, 2007. A house to house search in the neighbourhood by Kwablavi and some friends discovered the bird in Eklo's house. After initial denial, Eklo confessed to the crime and was subsequently arraigned before the chief on the advice of one Mr. Mugu, for a settlement.This was against the protestation of the Assemblyman, Mr. Ameza Bright, who wanted the matter reported to the Police and subjected to due judicial process.According to Agbavitor, the suspect did not show any sign of remorse, and was un-cooperative during the process of arbitration by the chief and his elders. He refused to pay a fine of four (4) bottles of gin imposed after being found guilty of the offence.Not satisfied with the outcome of the alternative settlement, the Assemblyman, Ameza Bright, reported the case to the police for proper action. The suspect at this juncture, pleaded to be allowed to inform his wife at home before accompanying the complainant and the Assemblyman to the police station. Little did they know that the suspect had hidden a knife in his clothes as he emerged from his house. On the way to the police station, the suspect pounced on the victim and stabbed him in the side of the neck. He was given a hot pursuit as he attempted to escape, and is now in police custody at Peki Avetile. Meanwhile, the victim is in a critical condition at the Peki Government Hospital.According to the Public Agenda, the incident raises serious concerns over the role of traditional authorities and the kinship arrangement in the perversion of the course of justice in rural parts of the country.Source: Public Agenda