The two police officers who allegedly shot and killed fisherman, Kishan Budburgh and Police Corporal Dwayne McPherson following a confrontation earlier this month at Mahaicony have been placed on open arrest as the investigation continues.
No other information was provided although the police had promised a comprehensive investigation into the matter and “regular” updates.
Budburgh and McPherson were shot and killed around 00:30hrs on January 1 during a police operation at Huntley, Mahaicony.
Autopsies later showed that Budburgh was shot three times while McPherson sustained two gunshot wounds.
Stabroek News was reliably informed that McPherson and two other ranks attached to the Mahaicony Police Station were responding to a report of a stabbing involving Budburgh, his brothers and another male.
In their bid to arrest Budburgh, a scuffle reportedly ensued during which Budburgh was shot at least three time. McPherson was initially shot followed by Budburgh.
In an interview with Stabroek News, Budburgh’s mother, Beverly Dundas had said she is determined to secure justice. She said the manner in which her son was shot is unacceptable. “I really hurt. Me feel really hurt. I want something come out me son story cause me son can’t go down suh,”she said.
Contacted yesterday, Dundas said since the incident, she has not been provided with any update. “Me ain’t hear back nothing yet,” she said.
The woman said she will be giving the police some more time to do their work after which she plans to follow up on the matter. “It look like them want keep it down but them nah go keep it down…I waiting lil bit and then I will raise it up back,” Dundas yesterday told Stabroek News.
Dundas had said at that time she was not sure what had transpired but she later learnt that Budburgh and his brothers were at a shop located a street away from their home when he and another male were involved in a fight.
She said one of Budburgh’s brothers who was present intervened and parted the fight after which they left for home.
Whilst walking home, Dundas said she understands that two of her sons were picked up by the police. And upon noticing this, she said she was told that Budburgh took a different route and ran home and went to bed.
According to Dundas, her two other sons who were home with Budburgh told her that police subsequently showed up at their house when the incident unfolded.
Lethal force
The incident has raised serious questions about the manner in which the police carried out the operation.
In a letter to the editor which was published in Monday’s edition of Stabroek News, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe said the matter calls for a “thorough” investigation beyond the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and should examine a number of aspects including training, retraining and qualification of ranks.
“This tragic incident cries out for a Board of Inquiry or some similar body to be commissioned to conduct a comprehensive review of what transpired,” Slowe said.
According to Slowe, the circumstances surrounding the killings should raise an alarm for all.
Based on reports, he said that there was no justification for the use of lethal force since no life appeared to have been threatened. “It is very clear, based on what was reported, that at no time was the life of McPherson or any other person threatened,” Slowe said.
He also pointed out that a number of established procedures were breached.
“From what can be gleaned so far, after the incident Corporal McPherson was picked up by the police and taken for medical attention. The other injured person (Kishan Budburgh), was left at the scene. This is contrary to all the Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) in relation to how injured persons should be treated,” Slowe said while noting “the fact that at least five rounds (bullets) were fired begs the question what type of firearm was used?”
Dundas had previously told Stabroek News that following the shooting, the ranks picked up McPherson and took him to the hospital and left the injured Budburgh behind. He remained there for about four hours and by the time Dundas was able to secure help he had passed away. McPherson was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Another issue highlighted by Slowe in the letter was the use of firearms and the lack of training on how to do them.
“I have been repeatedly pointing out that many persons who are authorized to carry firearms, including police ranks and private security personnel, lack the necessary training to do so. The circumstances surrounding this case demand an urgent review of the protocols governing the issuing and use of firearms,” Slowe said.
“Guyana Police Force Standing Order #18 addresses in a very comprehensive way the issuing and use of firearms by members of the Force, especially when you may fire (shoot). Unfortunately, it is clear that those orders are not being followed, resulting in many fatal incidents such as the one mentioned here, the killing of Quindon Bacchus and Orin Boston, and so many other unfortunate fatal shootings. I am of the view that the time has long passed for this issue to be addressed in a comprehensive manner,” he further stated.
