A 45-year-old man, identified as Apana Awasiaku, has allegedly subjected his over 90-year-old aunt, Atima Alugu, to a brutal physical assault in Biu, a suburb of Navrongo in the Upper East Region.

A video sighted by JoyNews shows Mr Awasiaku physically assaulting the elderly woman, who is alleged to have been accused of witchcraft.

According to people familiar with the incident, Mr Awasiaku accused Mrs Alugu of being responsible for the deaths of young men and women in the community.

The family told JoyNews that Mr Awasiaku is a nephew of the elderly woman, who lives alone.

They said the incident occurred late last month when Mr Awasiaku allegedly rode a tricycle to Mrs Alugu’s residence one afternoon.

According to relatives, he told the elderly woman that “either he dies or she dies”, claiming that God had directed him to her.

The woman initially thought the encounter was harmless until Mr Awasiaku allegedly struck her across the face with a wooden writing slate.

When she attempted to sit up, he allegedly forced her back onto the ground, prompting her to scream for help.

An elderly neighbour who heard her cries reportedly rushed to her aid.

However, Mr Awasiaku allegedly continued the assault, forcing Mrs Alugu to flee towards a neighbour’s house.

The sources said he caught up with her between her house and that of the neighbour and allegedly resumed the assault.

The elderly neighbour reportedly pleaded with him to stop.

One of the neighbour’s sons was subsequently called and rushed to the scene, but by the time he arrived, Mrs Alugu had allegedly suffered severe beatings.

The incident was reported to the police and subsequently taken to court.

However, the family claims that despite the proceedings, Mr Awasiaku remains in the community.

According to the family, Mr Awasiaku was ordered to either pay GH¢2,000 in compensation or serve a jail term, a figure they believe is not good enough justice for the pain and emotional trauma inflicted on her.

Mr Awasiaku also continues to move freely within the community.

Mrs Alugu has since been moved from her home to stay with her grandchildren amid fears that she could be attacked again.

The family has also accused the police of mishandling the matter and “massaging” the case for reasons they say are unknown to them.

JoyNews understands that the family is seeking further intervention to ensure the safety of Mrs Alugu and that the circumstances surrounding the assault are fully investigated.