Hairdresser killed in road incident, partner held

Last Updated on Friday, 21 March 2025, 21:30 by Writer

An 18-year-old woman has died after she allegedly grabbed the steering wheel of the wagon that was being driven by her partner and crashed the vehicle into a lampost, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said on Friday.

Investigators were informed that the deceased woman, Saeeda Swallay of 1818 Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara, and her partner, 19-year-old Janheam Kwame Silas of 2104 Block 8, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, were arguing about an incident minutes earlier in which a man allegedly struck the vehicle with a chopping instrument before driving away.

Mr Silas alleged that the man was following them from De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara.

“During the argument, the woman allegedly grabbed the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to collide with a lamp post. Both Mr Silas and the deceased sustained injuries. They were transported to Leonora Cottage Hospital, where a doctor pronounced Swallay dead on arrival,” the GPF said. Investigators said a black and blue contusion above the right eye, a contusion to the right side of the head, and blood around the head and face were seen on the woman’s body.

The vehicle crashed into the utility pole at about 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, on the Meten Meer Zorg Public Road, West Coast Demerara, opposite the Guy India Store.

Police said the vehicle—PXX 4206—owned by Rona Hill of Lot 25 Public Road, Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, was extensively damaged to its right side and would be examined by the licensing and certifying officer.

Mr. Silas underwent a breathalyser test, which registered readings of 0.05 and 0.07 micrograms of alcohol. He was subsequently taken into custody to assist with the investigation, police added.

Investigators said several closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras were seen in the vicinity of the incident and would be reviewed. Residents in the vicinity of the scene were questioned, but no useful information was obtained, police added.