Persons being questioned over murder of miners – Crime Chief
provided guidance and humanitarian assistance to members of his community. He was a generous young man that was always willing to assist and serve whenever called upon.”
According to a Facebook post by Bartica Sports Director, Donovan [Washington] was one of Bartica’s best sprinters and swimmers during his secondary school years. After he finished school, the Bartica national athletic committee kept Donovan close as he continued to represent District Seven as a GTU athlete. A statement from the Small Miners Association Guyana Inc (SMAGI) said that Sheriff was its director and treasurer. Chairman and
Managing Director of SMAGI, David Daniels, said in a statement, “Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic passing of Zaheer, who was not only a dedicated member of our association but also a cherished friend and colleague to many. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of Guyana’s mining community was evident in every action he took, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Daniels further stated that the circumstances surrounding Zaheer’s and Washington’s deaths during the suspected robbery at Arimu Backdam should serve as a reminder of the grave dangers faced by those living and working in Guyana’s interior regions. He added that such heinous acts of violence not only rob individuals of their lives but also shatter the peace and security of communities.
According to police, two masked men on a red all-terrain vehicle (ATV), carted off 102 ounces of raw gold valued at $37 million and two licensed firearms (a .32 pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun) belonging to Sheriff
Sheriff’s body had circular wounds to his right upper chest, upper right thigh, upper right arm and left upper back, while Washington had similar wounds to his lower abdomen, left chest, left shoulder, left hand, left elbow, four to right thigh, two to left thigh and one to his back. Investigators who processed the