The police are preparing to place the four suspects held after the attack on Land Court judge Nicola Pierre and her husband on an identification parade.
Pierre and her husband, Mohamed Chand, who were battered during the invasion of their Felicity, East Coast Demerara home by armed robbers early on Thursday morning, were yesterday discharged from a private hospital. The Guyana Bar Association (GBA) yesterday registered its shock at the “brutal attack” and its “increasing concern” at escalating incidents of crime committed on citizens.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum yesterday revealed that the four suspects, who were taken into custody after Thursday’s attack are expected to be placed on an identification parade today.
Although the suspects were said to be unable to give to the police a reasonable explanation for their presence in the area at the time, Stabroek News was told by a source that the police are not yet in possession of physical evidence to connect the men to the robbery, making the identification parade crucial. The robbers were unmasked during the attack.
Although the robbers were armed, no weapon was recovered from the men.
Fingerprint samples were, however, collected from the crime scene and police are hoping they can assist them in identifying the perpetrators.
Based on the accounts of eyewitnesses, more than six persons would have been involved in the robbery, but owing to the unexpected shootout that ensued with a guard during their escape, the gang may have been scattered. The source suggested that the four suspects could have been lookouts for the other members of the gang that were carrying out the robbery.
The four suspects have maintained their innocence. Two of the men are known to the police.
Questioned whether the bandits may have been amateur criminals, since their plan did not seem very organised, the police source indicated that the element of surprise would jeopardise any plan, whether the men are seasoned or not.
The surprise element came in the form of the intervention of a security guard, who fired at the bandits and the quick response of the police, the source stated.
The source referred to the response of the force as “excellent,” since ranks arrived on the scene mere minutes upon receiving the report and they were successful in the capture of four suspects.
Meanwhile, a police source yesterday confirmed that the victims were discharged from the hospital and police were able to collect statements from them.
When Stabroek News visited the residence of the judge yesterday, this newspaper was told by police on guard that only persons with an appointment were allowed to meet with the occupants of the home.
The attack occurred at about 1:20AM on Thursday, after the robbers overpowered and tied up a special constable, who was on duty close to the house. The armed men, after battering the couple, escaped with a portable safe containing money and jewellery and a suitcase with articles.
However, a confrontation with an armed security guard at a nearby premises resulted in the bandits leaving behind the safe and suitcase, while they fled on foot before boarding a waiting vehicle nearby. The police subsequently arrested the four suspects.
‘Shocking’
In a statement, the GBA said it was all the more shocking that the attack took place at Pierre’s home.
“Judicial officers play an invaluable role in the administration of justice and the rule of law and every reasonable effort must be made to secure and protect them and their families,” it said.
In addition, the GBA said while the apprehension of the alleged perpetrators gives some measure of relief, too many serious crimes remain unsolved.
“The Association has noted with increasing concern the escalating incidents of crimes committed on citizens, almost all of which involve the use of firearms, and many of which have resulted in the death of the victims. The frequency and the serious nature of these attacks are desensitising our society to the rights of citizens to safety and security whether in or out of their homes, and the duty of the State to protect every citizen, of whatever station in life,” it added.
As a result, the GBA called on the Minister of Public Security and the Commissioner of Police to develop strategies and take action to combat the level of violence in society. It also called on the government to ensure that law enforcement agencies are provided with the necessary tools to adequately address crimes in all their manifestations in our country.
