The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended that charges be laid against four suspects in last month’s armed invasion of the Figueira Mining Company camp at Konawaruk, Region Eight.
Stabroek News was reliably informed that a file was returned to the police yesterday with recommendations that the quartet be charged with unlawful and malicious damage to property, discharging loaded firearms with intent and felonious wounding.
On May 10, four men went into the mining camp and unleashed a barrage of gunfire, causing millions of dollars in losses and leaving excavator operator Ray Murray injured.
The owners of the mining company believe that the attack stemmed from an ongoing land dispute.
Murray, 44, of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, had told Stabroek News that he and others were working when a group of armed men invaded the camp at around 1 pm.
The men, who arrived in a land cruiser, shot at fuel tanks and engines. Murray was shot to the back of his head with pellets.
The land dispute is before the High Court and an injunction has been filed. However, according to Alisha Figueira, the injunction had been breached.
Speaking to Stabroek News yesterday Figueira said that since the incident the camp has not been in operation. She said that they have moved out all of their equipment and belongings from the area.
The four suspects had turned themselves in about two weeks ago but were released on self-bail.
Figueira reported to this newspaper that on Sunday the same shooters returned to the campsite and threatened the workers.
She said that she received a call from the DPP chamber’s yesterday telling her that the file has to be sent back to the Crime Chief but no indication was given as to why.
She was not told of anyone being charged.
