A man who attempted burglary has been hospitalized in Bole in the Northern region after he was shot in the thigh by a gold dealer.

The Bole District Police Commander, ASP David Azumah who disclosed the incident to Adom News’ Illiasu Abdul Rauf said a scuffle ensued between the victim, Abdulai Mustapha and Aliu Mahamadu, a gold dealer, at about 7pm Sunday when he burgled through a window into a gold shop.

He said the suspected thief sneaked into the shop while the shop owner and other Muslim congregants were performing night prayers.

Aliu Mahamadu stopped the prayers and raced into the shop after realizing the intrusion but was however overpowered by the burglar during a physical struggle forcing him to reach out for his handgun and fired at the fleeing thief.

Incidents of armed robbery attacks on local miners in the area and road users is on alarming increase forcing residents to stockpile arms and launch a crackdown.

ASP David Azumah said the gold merchant has been arrested into custody and currently under investigation.

The victim is currently being treated at the Bole Government hospital adding that the suspect will be prosecuted.

Listen to SP David Azumah