Meten-Meer-Zorg/Wakenaam: Time to give evidence in court- Top Cop

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:01 by GxMedia

Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell on Sunday appealed to investigators and civilians to give evidence in court to ensure the conviction of several persons charged in connection with a robbery-murder.

“I want it to be known that this is not the end of it. We have done our part. It is now at the judicial stage and we expect that you who have to give evidence will attend court and give evidence,” he said. The prosecution has lost several high profile cases and accused persons have been freed because witnesses have failed to give evidence in court.

The top cop stressed the importance of the accused remaining in jail for another 20 years or even executed by hanging for murder. He urged the police and civilians to stand up to loud-mouthed lawyers and respond to questions appropriately. “You have to be strong. You have to stand up. You have to show resolve. Think and answer the questions and let us get those fellows down,” he said.

Nine persons were Friday charged in connection with the the shooting death of 27-year old Zulficar “Vicky” Namdar on September 10 and the armed robbery committed at the Good Success, Wakenaam residence of Rohan “Anand” Dhanaysure on September 7.

Brumell and Deputy Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud praised residents of Meten-Meer-Zorg for sharing information that led to the capture of persons connected with Namdar’s demise and robbery

“Everyone that we went to, provided the assistance that we asked and during the hunt for Keifa Small, information was pouring not only from Meten-Meer-Zorg but all over that assisted our operations,” said Persaud. Small, said to be armed, escaped a police dragnet and since then the suspect in Namdar’s killing has not been caught. Two other unnamed persons are also wanted by the police based on evidence collected and intelligence shared.

The Police Commissioner deemed as “far-fetched” claims by members of the public that police share sensitive information with perpetrators.

Deputy Commissioner Persaud noted that peace in the West Coast Demerara village was shattered by the group who had terrorised the community with handguns and rifles. Against the background of four robberies and 11 break-ins for the year, he said when people are unaccustomed to such violence; attacks like the one on the Namdars would have a “severe detrimental impact.”

With the majority of perpetrators and victims being youths, Persaud explained that the current crime phenomenon was as a result of a breakdown in the institutions of the family, religion and education at a time when people are eking out a living.

He referred to several initiatives that the Guyana Police Force is involved in to improve the lives of young people. They include youth groups, scout, free computer classes and the COPS and Faith Network. He explained that that Network aims to give perpetrators another opportunity rather than being stigmatized as a convict.