A 52-year-old steel bender, Kojo Senagbe, has been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly attacking a man with a machete during a suspected dispute over a romantic relationship.
Senagbe, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing unlawful harm, is alleged to have inflicted multiple cut wounds on a carpenter, Oliver Zinto.
The court, presided over by His Honour Kwabena Obiri Yeboah, has adjourned the case to June 6, 2025, to allow the prosecution to file all necessary disclosures ahead of the trial.
Chief Inspector Belinda Asante, who is leading the prosecution, told the court that both the accused and the victim live in Community 14 Annex, near Lashibi in Accra.
The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on May 10, 2025. According to the prosecution, Zinto was walking home when he was suddenly approached by Senagbe, who ordered him to stop. Zinto, sensing trouble, ignored him and tried to walk away. However, Senagbe allegedly pursued and attacked him with a machete, slashing his scalp, left ear, arm, and back.
Despite being severely wounded and bleeding heavily, Zinto managed to wrestle the weapon away from his attacker in a desperate bid to save his life. Nearby residents came to his aid and provided initial assistance while the suspect fled the scene.
Zinto later reported the incident to the Klagon Police and was issued a medical form for treatment. He returned the form after receiving care at a health facility.
Senagbe was arrested two days later, on May 12, 2025. In a statement given in the presence of an independent witness, he is said to have admitted to the attack. He reportedly told investigators that he assaulted Zinto because he believed the victim had taken over his girlfriend.
During the investigation, police recovered the machete used in the alleged assault.
