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Ethiopia’s sensational stage performer, Tewodros
Kassahun – popularly known as Teddy-Afro - is sent
today, April 16, 2008, to the Addis Abeba Central
Prison Centre after the Federal High Court
eighth criminal bench, adjourned to rule over his
appeal for right of bail on charges of murder.
He was under custody inside the Federal High Court,
Lideta area, for couple of hours before a white
minibus from the Prison Administration took him to
Kaliti early this afternoon, together with other
inmates. Fans, family members and his agent, Addis
Gessese, have gathered inside the court before the
minibus drove out.
Yet to be confirmed, he is believed to have been
taken to Kaliti Prison Centre, located in the
outskirts of the city. Dressed with red T-shirt and
black pant, he appeared nervous and seemed unable to
focus when talking to reporters gathered inside the
Court, but maintained his innocence of the crime he
is alleged to have committed.
“I’ve yet to compose my thoughts,” Tewodros told
reporters who showered him with series of questions.
“Nevertheless, I haven’t hit anyone with a car.”
On November 3, 2006, investigators from the Addis
Abeba Police Commission arrested Tewodros Kassahun,
suspecting him of leaving a scene of a car accident
that they alleged has caused the death of an 18-year
old Degu Yibelte. Degu, a street dweller who came
from Gojjam to reside with his uncle before he moved
out to the streets, was killed on the night of
November 2, 2006, after he was hit by a car. Police
was tipped on phone a plate number of a BMW by a
taxi driver whose identity they were trying to
establish at the time.
Later that night, around after midnight, a BMW owned
and driven by the singer was found collided with a
concrete that blocked road under-construction around
Gurd Sholla area, on the road to the CMC residential
complex. Police claimed at the time, the plate
number of this vehicle was identical to the number
they were tipped of by the unidentified taxi driver
as involved in the accident that killed Degu.
After he was put under custody for a day, Tewodros
was released on a 50,000 Br bail the following day,
on November 4, 2006.
Prosecutors have now pressed charges against the
popular singer: According to the Ethiopian Penal
Code, a driver who hit a person to death and drives
15 metre away from the scene of an accident would be
charged of homicide. The court is adjourned for
Monday, April 21, to decide whether or not Tewodros
be granted release on bail.
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