A 50-year-old miner and a 30-year-old labourer both of Bartica, were shot and killed by two masked men during a robbery at Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven yesterday morning.
Police say they are investigating the murders of Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff, a 50-year-old gold miner of Byderabo Road, Bartica and Donovan Washington, a 26-year-old porter of Lot 11 Seventh Avenue, Bartica, which occurred around 10:00 hrs yesterday.
According to a police press release, the suspects were two masked men on a Red ATV, who allegedly carted off 102 ounces of raw gold valued at $37 million and two licenced firearms (a .32 pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun) property of Sheriff.
The police said that investigations so far have revealed that Sheriff was the owner of a six-inch land dredge operation at Arimu Backdam and at about 10:00 hrs yesterday, he left his camp with Washington on an ATV enroute to Bartica. He had 102 ounces of raw gold.
General Manager for Sheriff’s operation, Joel Stephen, 39, told the police that about five minutes after his boss left camp, he heard several loud explosions which he suspected to be gunshots. Stephen told police he went to make checks in the area, and about 500 metres away from the camp, found both men lying on the trail with gunshot injuries about their bodies. He also observed that both of Sheriff’s firearms and the gold were missing. He later made a report to the Bartica Police Station.
The release said Sheriff’s body had circular wounds to his right upper chest, upper right thigh, upper right arm and left upper back, while Wash-ington had circular wounds to his lower abdomen, left chest, left shoulder, left hand, left elbow, four to right thigh, two to left thigh and one to his back.
The release said the scene was processed and one .32 magazine with eight live matching rounds, seven 9 mm spent shells and three .32 spent shells were found.
According to a Facebook post by Bartica Sports Direct, Donovan was one of Bartica’s best sprinters and swimmers during his secondary school years. After he finished school, the Bartica national athletic committee kept Donovan close as he continued to represent District Seven as a GTU athlete, the post said.
A statement from the Small Miners Association Guyana Inc (SMAGI) said that Sheriff was a director and treasurer.
Chairman and Manag-ing Director of SMAGI David Daniels said in the statement, “Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic passing of Zaheer, who was not only a dedicated member of our association but also a cherished friend and colleague to many. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of Guyana’s mining community was evident in every action he took, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Daniels further stated that the circumstances surrounding Zaheer and Washington’s deaths during the suspected robbery at Arimu Backdam should serve as a reminder of the grave dangers faced by those living and working in Guyana’s interior regions. He added that such heinous acts of violence not only rob individuals of their lives but also shatter the peace and security of the communities.
“We vehemently condemn this cowardly act and demand swift justice for Mohamed Zaheer Sheriff, Donovan Washington, and their grieving families. It is imperative that steps be taken to address the underlying issues contributing to such violence, safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of our fellow citizens,” he was quoted as saying.
