Two robbers gunned down in MoMo vendor robbery in Tema

Two men believed to be involved in an armed robbery have been killed in a shootout with police after attacking a mobile money vendor in Tema.

The incident happened on Monday morning at about 8:30 a.m. at Aba Fosuah Plaza in Tema Community 5.

Police say the suspects posed as customers before carrying out the attack. One of them, who was seated behind the rider on a motorbike, approached the vendor and requested a cash transaction while his accomplice remained on standby.

As the vendor attempted to attend to the request, the man suddenly produced a firearm and demanded her bag containing cash. The vendor reportedly resisted, leading to a brief struggle between her and the two men.

In the course of the scuffle, the armed suspect fired a shot, hitting the vendor in the leg. She was forced to hand over the money, after which the suspects sped off on a black Royal motorbike with registration number M-24-GE 778.

A police patrol team operating in the area responded quickly after receiving a distress call and immediately gave chase.

According to the police, the fleeing suspects opened fire on the officers near a junction around Community 6, close to a hotel. The officers returned fire, striking both men and bringing the pursuit to an end.

The suspects fell from the motorbike after sustaining gunshot wounds and were later confirmed dead. Their bodies have since been conveyed to a hospital mortuary pending identification and autopsy.

Items retrieved from them included a pistol loaded with 9mm ammunition, three mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, a talisman, a motorbike key and GH¢11,390 in cash. A Ghana Card found in their possession was later confirmed to belong to the victim. Police also recovered a spent shell from the robbery scene.

The injured vendor is receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities have assured the public that efforts to clamp down on criminal activity in the area will continue, while urging residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies.