Several persons have been contacted by the police in the Arimu double murder and robbery and they are presently being questioned, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said on Monday.
Investigations are still ongoing into the double murder of 50-year-old miner, Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff, of Byderabo Road, Bartica, and 26-year-old labourer, Donovan Washington, of Lot 11 Seventh Avenue, Bartica, who were both shot and killed reportedly by two masked men during a robbery at Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven, on Sunday morning around 10:00 hrs.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) in a statement on Sunday urged all miners to take full security precautions and called on the GPF to take the necessary actions to secure the interior to enable miners to conduct their business safely.
GGDMA had since expressed its condolences to the families and friends of the miner and his worker and called for a proper investigation into the incident. The association highlighted a similar incident back in December of 2022 involving another member of the association. “In December 2022, another member of the association, the late Ricky Ambrose who was a sworn land surveyor and ranger, was robbed of a quantity of raw gold and cash and was killed at Arimu Backdam.”
Shaykh Bacchus, an imam and religious advisor at Masjid Al Abidin in New York, on Monday via his Facebook page expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Sheriff, who was the President of the Bartica Islamic Association. “As a young man he played an integral role in the administration of the said organisation and provided guidance and humanitarian assistance to members of his community. He was a generous young man that was always willing to assist and serve whenever called upon.”
According to a Facebook post by Bartica Sports Director, Donovan [Washington] 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. A statement from the Small Miners Association Guyana Inc (SMAGI) said that Sheriff was its director and treasurer. Chairman and Managing Director of SMAGI, David Daniels, said in a 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’s 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 communities.
According to police, two masked men on a red all-terrain vehicle (ATV), carted off 102 ounces of raw gold valued at $37 million and two licensed firearms (a .32 pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun) belonging to Sheriff
Sheriff’s body had circular wounds to his right upper chest, upper right thigh, upper right arm and left upper back, while Washington had similar 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. Investigators who processed the scene discovered one .32 magazine with eight live matching rounds, seven 9mm spent shells and three .32 spent shells.
