Three Lindeners appeared before a city court yesterday on several charges of robbery under arms, where millions worth in items were taken from the victims.
The men, Khaled Mustafa, Dexter McCalmont and Nicolai Cameron, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
The first charge stated that on October 3, at Mabura Access Road they robbed Shawn Kishun of a PM Bedford truck valued $12 million and 15,500 litres of fuel valued $2 million, property of Julius Ferreira. The men were said to be in the company of others and armed with a gun when the incident occurred.
The second charge stated that on that same day and at the same place, the three, again in the company of others and armed with a gun, robbed Kishun of a Samsung cellphone and $36,000. The third charge alleged that the three, also robbed Lakram Shabiraullah of a gold band worth $37,000 on the same date and at the same place.
The accused pleaded not guilty to all of the allegations.
Mustafa and Cameron were read two additional charges, the first of which stated that on December 8, at Mabura Road, Linden, the two, being armed with a gun, robbed Marlon Bishun of a motor lorry valued $12 million, 3,400 litres of diesel valued $2,396,000, 100 gallons of gas, a quantity of spare parts, 45 gallons of hydraulic oil, 25 gallons of radiator coolant, a quantity of beverages and two ladders, all worth $15,224,200, property of Ryan Pereira.
The second charge read that on Dec 8, at Mabura Road, they also robbed Bishun of a cellphone valued at $37,000 and $35,000.
Mustafa and Cameron denied those charges as well.
McCalmont, 22, of 123 Block 22 One Mile, Wismar, was represented by attorney Mortimer Coddette, who in his application for bail told the court he was astounded at the charges laid against his client, stating that there may be a problem between the defendant and the police that is causing ranks to target him.
He reported that McCalmont was released on bail on December 16 after he was charged with several offences, including resisting arrest. He further stated that he is unaware of the police having any evidence to support their allegations and reminded the court that the accused are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
Ronald Daniels appeared for Cameron and echoed Coddette that his client be regarded as innocent until evidence is presented to prove contrary. Cameron, 23, of 28 Blue Berry Hill, Wismar, Linden, is a taxi driver and mechanic.
Daniels claimed that during the four days his client was in custody, he was beaten by police on three occasions.
Mustafa was unrepresented at the hearing yesterday.
The accused were all denied bail and all the matters have been adjourned to December 30 and transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court.
