By Shuntel Glasgow
After being shot twice on Thursday, Deo Kissoon, of Herstelling Sea Dam, East Bank Demerara, was released from the hospital, but his family is now fearful for their lives as they say they are constantly being attacked by unknown persons.
According to police, the shooting incident occurred on November 30 at about 07:50 hours in front of Lot 453 Haige Street, Herstelling. The suspect, who was dressed like a vagrant, wore a wig along with a black jersey and a light blue hat, and was armed with a handgun.
Investigations revealed that the victim was standing on the northern side of Haige Street, amongst a group of men. Kissoon was about to enter a silver Toyota Allion car, PAD 4182, to go to work when the suspect approached the group from the eastern direction on foot and discharged several rounds in the victim’s direction. Kissoon was hit in the upper left side of his chest and his rib cage.
The suspect escaped on foot in an easterly direction along Haige Street, after which he entered a waiting silver car (registration number unknown) which was parked on the southern side of Haige Street, and drove away.
Meanwhile, the victim was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre and shortly thereafter, transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he underwent surgery. Investigators managed to review footage from nearby CCTV cameras.
Stabroek News spoke to Kissoon yesterday who confirmed that on the day in question he was standing on the street with his colleagues and friends while he waited on a taxi to take him to work. He explained that when the taxi arrived, he began loading his construction tools into the trunk of the car and observed a man who looked like a vagrant walking towards the car from a short distance. The man was carrying a bag filled with bottles. Kissoon related that as he was about to enter the car, the man approached the vehicle with a gun and instructed his ‘boss’ to move, “He tell me boss man move and say how he didn’t come to he and start fire shots. When I get the first shot, I pelt he with the Canada Dry that I had and run in the lady yard and another bullet catch me and I fall down.” After undergoing surgery at GPH, the doctors told him that the first bullet fired from up close, had entered and exited his body, while the second bullet had to be removed from his rib cage.
The fearful man also emphasised that he was not involved in a conflict with anyone. He recounted that one year ago, he was accused of the theft of $400 million in gold. He said that he was charged and released on bail, but proclaimed his innocence. However, since the incident, Kissoon said he has not found peace in his home and on the streets. The family too has since been faced with constant attacks.
Christine Singh, his cousin, who was also arrested for questioning concerning the gold theft last year and released on bail, was stabbed several times about her body about three weeks ago. She was stabbed in the breast, neck, arm, and hand, by an unknown man while on her way to work. The suspect is yet to be arrested.
Since they are constantly being attacked as a family, taxis are refusing to transport them because the drivers are fearful. They both said that at night, heavily tinted cars would usually be parked for hours on the street at the entrance to their homes.
The family’s routine has changed drastically and the children are unable to attend school because they are wondering which family member might be next on the agenda for the attackers. They are now watchful for suspicious movements. As a result, members of the family would usually work a relay system to guard their homes while others execute daily duties. Many are having sleepless nights as a result of fear. The children are severely traumatized and as a result are fearful when they see strangers.
The family members say that they are innocent and hope that peace can be restored. They stated that reports made to the police have proved futile since they are treated like criminals. Several matters were reported but the investigations are yet to be launched.
Radika Seegobin, Kissoon’s mother lamented the family’s poor living conditions, contending that it proves that they lack sufficient funds to enjoy a better life. “Abeh nah get nothing, wah them come for? Look at how we live, ah sea dam. We poor and we punishing to provide for we family. Abeh want a better life too but look how we living. I wish if somebody in the police or ministry can hear we story and look into it.”
The family is now calling for help from the relevant authorities to conduct a proper investigation into the constant attacks.
