Cops cleared in robbery of gold miners after “lacklustre” investigation
Five policemen, who were accused of robbing miners of a quantity of raw gold, have been freed of the charges due to insufficient evidence.
The last of three charges against Lance Corporal Mark Fernandes, and Constables Raphael Lowenfield, Akeem Thompson, Kosi Arthur, and Delroy Duncan, was dismissed yesterday.
It had been alleged that on July 25th, at Timehri East Bank Demerara, they robbed Yuri Samuels of six pennyweights of raw gold, valued $66,000; Sherwin Noel of five pennyweights of raw gold, valued $55,000; and Heeralall Gildharie of four pennyweights of raw gold, valued $44,000.
The charges in relation to Samuels and Gildharie were dismissed two weeks ago after it was found that a prima facie case had not been established.
Magistrate Brenden Glasford delivered a similar verdict yesterday in relation to the charge for the alleged robbery of Noel.
In reviewing all the elements of the case, the magistrate said he was a bit disturbed by the fact that the police wanted to prosecute the matter but did no proper investigation. In particular, he highlighted the fact that there was not even an identification parade held.
The court heard that when the defendants were charged, there was no follow up by the investigating rank, who noted same in his testimony.
Magistrate Glasford said the only time Noel would have seen the defendants would have been during court, where he also identified them.
This led to the magistrate stating that though he believed that there was a robbery, the police investigation of the police was lacklustre in nature. He noted that the gold was not found on the defendants and the identification from the court could not be used.
It was upon these bases that he concluded that a prima facie case was not established and dismissed the matter.
Fernandes, of Lot 16 Annandale Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara, Lowenfield, of 486 Section ‘B’ Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, Thompson, of Lot 65 Bel Air Village, East Coast Demerara, Arthur, of Linden, and Duncan of Lot 71 Sisters, West Coast Demerara, were represented by attorney Patrice Henry.