An Accra High Court is set to commence the trial of Gideon Vitlas, a 24-year-old cleaner, on May 22, 2024, for his alleged involvement in the tragic death of a cashier at Twumasiwaa Hospital.
Vitlas, a Nigerian national, is accused of murdering Patience Quaye, a 35-year-old single mother who worked as a cashier at the hospital located in East Legon, Accra. The Attorney General, after reviewing the case, has recommended murder charges against Vitlas.
During the committal proceedings, it was revealed that Vitlas, who had previously been dismissed from the hospital for alleged pilfering, returned to the premises despite warnings from management. He reportedly conspired with another worker, Mohammed Mubarak, to carry out the crime.
The prosecution intends to present five witnesses, including Mubarak, who was initially detained during the investigation. Vitlas, in a surprising confession, admitted to entering the hospital with the intention of stealing money he urgently needed, but claims he had no intention of killing the victim.
The tragic incident unfolded on March 7, 2023, when Vitlas allegedly followed Quaye into the Administrator’s Office, grabbed her from behind, and strangled her to death. He then reportedly stole money and the victim’s phone before concealing her body in a locked storeroom.
After a thorough search conducted by the victim’s relatives and the hospital management, Quaye’s decomposed body was discovered the following day.
Vitlas managed to flee the scene but was later apprehended in Koforidua, where he confessed to the crime and disclosed his actions.
