Bandits rob man at Uitvlugt bar, snatch firearm

An air conditioning (AC) technician was during the wee hours of yesterday stabbed and robbed of his licensed firearm and other valuables after four men posing as customers launched an attack at an entertainment bar in Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara.

The injured man has been identified as Richard Govinda, 47, of Lot 169 Para Field, Leonora, WCD. He was relieved of his firearm, a .32 semi-automatic Taurus pistol, several matching rounds, a cell phone and a quantity of cash.

The attack, according to the police occurred about 1am during which Govinda was stabbed in his left hand and thigh with broken bottles. He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was treated and sent away.

The police said they are making efforts to apprehend the four suspects, one of whom is suspected to have been shot during the ordeal.

According to a police press release, Govinda and a friend were imbibing outside the entertainment bar and went into the bar and returned with one beer in each of their hands.

“They (the bandits) suddenly pounced and demanded cash, at the same time striking him (Govinda) with a bottle which broke and they stabbed him”, the police said.

During this process, Govinda whipped out his firearm and discharged several rounds at the bandits, who managed to disarm him and relieved him of the weapon and valuables before escaping.

Several statements were obtained and the investigations are ongoing.