Police in the Central Region have arrested a man in his early twenties, identified as Horlali Alatusa, in connection with the suspected killing of a woman believed to be his girlfriend at Bentum in the Awutu Senya District.

The suspect was apprehended after a farmer lodged a complaint about a strong and unpleasant odour coming from a section of his farmland, raising suspicions among residents.

According to community members, some residents escorted the suspect to the farm on Tuesday, March 10, where they attempted to locate the body by digging a trench believed to have been earlier created by him. However, the initial search did not produce any results.

The situation was later reported to the police after residents noticed bloodstains around the area that had been dug, further deepening suspicions of foul play.

Police investigations subsequently led to the arrest of the suspect, who allegedly confessed during interrogation and directed officers to another location where the body of the deceased had been concealed.

The remains of the unidentified woman were discovered with several parts of the body mutilated.

Some residents suspect the killing may be linked to ritual practices, noting that the suspect is known in the community as a spiritualist who reportedly inherited his father’s deities.

Eyewitnesses who spoke to the media said the deceased had last been seen in the company of the suspect in the community on Sunday before she suddenly went missing.

Angered by the discovery of the body, some residents vandalised and demolished the suspect’s residence.

Police have since conveyed the remains for further examination while the suspect remains in custody to assist with ongoing investigations.