Today, Saturday, January 13, 2024, marks the final funeral rites for the tragic demise of three siblings in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region. Mary Magdelene Afua Frans (8 years old), Christian Nana Benin Jacob Frans (5 years old), and Judith Ekua Frans (11 years old) lost their lives after exposure to bedbug fumigation chemicals applied by their uncle, Anthony Frans, who is now facing murder charges.
The solemn funeral is taking place at the Asawase Railway Quarters near Sadiya Emotuo in the district, where the siblings will be laid to rest. Anthony Frans, the accused, has been provisionally charged with murder in connection with the incident and has been granted bail of GHC20,000 with two sureties by the Asokore Mampong District Court.
According to state prosecutors, Anthony allegedly used Baktoxin Fumigation tablets, commonly known as ‘bombs,’ on December 28, 2023, to disinfect the house where the children were spending their holidays. The family discovered 8-year-old Mary Magdelene Afua Frans and 5-year-old Christian Nana Benin Jacob Frans unconscious the next day, prompting immediate medical attention. Tragically, they were pronounced dead upon arrival at the Manhyia Government Hospital.
In a heartbreaking turn of events during court proceedings on Tuesday, January 9, it was revealed that the elder sister, Judith Ekua Frans, who had been referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, also succumbed to the incident. Meanwhile, their grandmother, Akua Gyaabena, 66, remains hospitalized.
Presenting the case, state prosecutors sought to remand the suspect into police custody for further investigation. However, the court, swayed by a robust defense from the accused person’s counsel, denied the request. The case has been adjourned to January 23, 2023, and the court did not take the suspect’s plea.
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