Two hinterland-based miners were shot about their bodies last evening during a robbery on D’Urban Street in the city.
Injured are Ben Xavier, 32, of Region Nine and Orin John, said to be in his late 20s, of St Cuthbert’s Mission on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.
Xavier was shot to his right abdomen, while John sustained a gunshot wound to his chest and one to his shoulder. Both men were taken to the main operating theatre of the Georgetown Public Hospital shortly after 10 last evening for emergency surgery.
According to reports, around 9 last night, the two men were imbibing at the Corn Bread Mini Mart hangout spot located at the corner of D’Urban and Lime streets, Wortmanville when they were attacked.
An eyewitness, who later transported the two injured men to the hospital, recounted that the men were sitting at a table in front of the business establishment when two gun-toting men approached and demanded their valuables.
He said the miners ignored the two men and the intruders subsequently attacked the two hapless miners using handguns.
He said the duo struggled with the bandits during which three gunshots rang out. The bandits then took the men’s valuables and escaped west along D’Urban Street on two Honda CG motorcycles which were parked along the roadway. The two injured men were subsequently placed in a minibus by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the hospital.
Persons at the shop told Stabroek News that the two men were imbibing at the Korner Kick bar on John Street earlier in the evening and later moved to the D’Urban Street location. They said the men may have been trailed by the bandits since they were sporting wads of cash as well as jewellery, earlier in the night.
They said that during their escape, the two bandits experienced difficulty in getting their motorcycles started.
At the scene of the incident, the tables and chairs were strewn on the floor while one of the men’s slippers was noticeable close to a pool of blood. The robbery was committed a stone’s throw away from the mobile police unit situated outside the Georgetown Prisons at the corner of D’Urban and John streets.
Meantime, residents in the area expressed concern as regards a recent spate of gun-related violence in the area, mainly armed robberies committed by bandits on CG motorcycles.
According to a resident, during the course of last week, bandits entered a shop located a corner away from last evening’s robbery and held up several persons who were playing dominoes at the time. It was noted that businesses are being targeted by the bandits and according to a resident, it is only a matter of time before residents take action into their own hands.
It was noted that a greater police presence was needed in the area to curb the situation.
