Rape Victim Buried

A twelve and a half year-old girl, who died following multiple rape, was buried over the weekend at La-Palmwine junction cemetery in Accra. The minor was raped twice by 25-year-old Aminu Waddah alia Rasta (a.k.a. King Lion), which led to her premature death. The story was first reported on the Metro T.V. program "Odo ne Asomdwee" hosted by Grace Omaboe.The funeral attracted a large gathering of people including teachers, pupils, family members, and sympathizers.

Narrating the circumstances of the child's death, her aunt Miss Agbenyegah said she was selling iced water everyday after school to make ends meet.On Wednesday September 11th 2002, she returned home in the evening after selling the water, she complained of body pains, especially in her knees. On Saturday September 14th 2002, she wet her bed in her sleep and the same day around 4.30pm Kafui fainted in the compound. Miss Agbenyegah said she shouted and asked the lady who supplies them iced water to come to their aid. The lady questioned the child and it was discovered that she has been raped.

She was immediately was rushed to Kaneshie Polyclinic, but was referred to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital because of the seriousness of her condition. At Korle Bu she finally admitted that she was raped twice by Rasta, and said he warned her that she would go mad if she told anyone. A medical form was issued to the Odokor Police to effect Lion's arrest."She died later, on 18th September 2002, at Korle Bu," the tearful aunt said. The post-mortem result from Korle Bu dated 3\10\02 said the victim died as a result of "multiple lung abicemy, aspiration pneumonia, severe vaginitis and sexual assault".

The child's mother wailed, "my heart aches, I cannot work, I am paralysed. I wish death would lay its icy hands on me to meet my daughter wherever she is". The case is with WAJU pending further investigations and prosecution.