Girl dies in rape ordeal

A 16-year old girl who was raped but decided to keep it secret until she fell ill has died at the Tema General Hospital shortly after she broke the news and was rushed there.

Lillian Bartdy, House Help, mentioned a 33 year-old self-employed Kofi Afram Mensah from Kpone as the one who raped her in an uncompleted building at Kpone but she could not give the actual date.

The Police asked the Tema Community Tribunal, presided over by Ringo Cass Azumah to remand Mensah, who was facing a charge of rape, in custody to enable them to prefer new charges following the death of Miss Bartdy.

Mensah's plea was not taken and was remanded in custody to re-appear on September 4.

Police Inspector Alice Gyamfi, prosecuting, told the tribunal that on June 12, Miss Bartdy complained of lower abdominal and stomach pains and was sent to the Kpone Health Post, where she received treatment.

The prosecution said on June 30, her pains became severe and when her Mistress demanded to know the cause of her illness, Bartdy disclosed that Mensah rape her one evening in an uncompleted building.

Miss Bartdy was rushed to TGH after the confession but died shortly on arrival.