Although it is yet to lay a charge against anyone, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday signaled that it is hopeful of securing a conviction.
This is according to Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, who engaged reporters yesterday following a meeting with Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie and senior members of the Guyana Police Force.
During the meeting, Harmon said the investigation into the death of Singh was raised and the assurance was given by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum.
“The police said that is an active matter and the Crime Chief said that he believes that they are on a path where they may be able to secure a conviction but he would not give a specific time when that would take place,” Harmon said.
Seventeen-year-old Singh, also known as ‘Raj’, of Lot 8, Number 3 Village, WCB, was found with head injuries and chop wounds along the Number 2 backdam on September 9th, 2020.
Singh left home on his motorcycle to tend to his farm in the backdam of No. 3 Village, WCB.
Sometime after, his relatives saw smoke rising from the backdam and left to investigate. They then discovered the body of Singh lying motionless. His nose was bleeding. His motorcycle had also been burnt.
An autopsy later concluded that he died as a result of brain haemorrhaging and blunt trauma to the head, compounded by compression injuries to his neck.
Singh was murdered days after teenage cousins Isaiah and Joel Henry were slain. Singh’s murder was believed to be a reprisal killing. Several of his relatives had been initially held in connection with the murder of the cousins.
During the investigation into Singh’s murder, a number of persons were detained for questioning. However no charge has been laid.
Last month, a source had said that DNA samples were taken from individuals who were detained over Singh’s murder and were submitted to the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) for testing.
However, since then, there has been no further word on the results.
Blanhum had previously told Stabroek News that “all of the police efforts and resources will be dedicated to bring the matter to finality”.
In recent week, Singh’s relative have been protesting for justice. They stressed that they are tired of waiting on the police to make a breakthrough in the case. The latest protest was held outside of the Office of the President.
The relative had said that they are beginning to think that the matter has been forgotten.
“It looks like the police give up but we the family we will not give up. We need justice for Haresh,” a relative who wished not to be named had said.
