Kumasi — What was expected to be a joyful day to commemorate the anniversary of the late reggae icon, Robert Nestor Marley, at the Centre for National Culture in Kumasi on Friday, turned bloody after a notorious armed robber, who had been on the wanted list of the police, was shot and killed in a battle with the police.

Celebrants had to run helter-skelter for their lives in the ensuing battle, which reportedly occurred between the team of police personnel from the Buffalo Unit, who were detailed to offer protection to celebrants and the deceased, together with his gang of seven.

The deceased suspect, who was only identified as “Lover,” was alleged to have launched an offensive attack on the police with a machete, and attempted to kill one of them, compelling the police to also reply with gunshots leading to his eventual death.

The police were said to have stormed the premises of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) after receiving reports that ‘Lover’ and his gang were terrorising fans who had come to the venue to observe the day.

The incident, which occurred at dawn on Friday, disrupted the peaceful ceremony organised by the Rastafarian Union in Kumasi to celebrate the 31st Anniversary of the death of the Jamaican reggae star.

Seven other suspects, who were reportedly in the company of ‘Lover’, were also arrested, and are currently in the custody of the police awaiting prosecution.

A police source indicated that the deceased, together with his accomplices, had been on the wanted list of the police for two separate robbery incidents, during which they were alleged to have attacked their victims at gunpoint and dispossessed them of their belongings.

They were said to be part of a gang based at a popular area called Main Five in Asawase, and were allegedly known to be terrorising residents and robbing them of their mobile phones and other possessions.

According to the police, the deceased and his collaborators had been on the wanted list in connection with two separate robbery incidents which occurred sometime ago at Jubilee Park, and another at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, during a ceremonial match organised by the former Black Stars defender, Samuel Osei Kuffuor.

They were said to have escaped police arrest on the two said occasions, after allegedly robbing people of their mobile phones and bolting away with the booty.

According to an eyewitness, the incident began as soon as the police arrived at the venue, which was the main auditorium at the CNC, in response to the distress call.

The information revealed that upon sighting the police, ‘Lover’, who suspected he might be the target of the police, launched an offensive and allegedly drew a machete, attempting to attack one of the police officers.

However, the police in swift response, allegedly fired Lover on the rib, killing him instantly.

Consequently, the other seven accomplices, who were said to be in the company of the deceased, were also arrested.

The deceased had a tattoo on his body which read “I Live in a crazy world,” obviously drawing inspiration from the song “Living in a Crazy World” composed by the late South African reggae star, Lucky Dube.

His body has since been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital morgue.