A 21-year-old illegal miner, Samwin Larbi, has been remanded into police custody by the Nkawkaw District Court for allegedly murdering a 52-year-old woman, Akua Obiri, at Kwahu Behenase in the Eastern Region.

Larbi is expected to reappear before the court on November 3.

The case has heightened tensions in the community, following a dispute between the victim’s family and the Nkawkaw Police Command over an autopsy fee reportedly set at GH¢12,000.

According to the family, they are unable to pay the full amount and have offered GH¢2,000 instead.

Nkawkaw District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Victor Kwakye, has, however, clarified that while the family was informed about the need for an autopsy, the police did not specify any fee.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.