Cops are probing the murder of Ovid James, a 37-year-old Miner from Mahdia, Region 8, which occurred at about 07:00 hrs on Tuesday at 9 Miles Backdam, Honey Camp, Middle Mazaruni River.
The suspect is known as ‘Nigi’, a Brazilian national (his correct name and particulars are unknown).
Enquiries revealed that James and the suspect were employed with Alister Culpepper, a 41-year-old Gold Miner, at the above-mentioned Backdam. According to Culpepper, on November 25, 2024, at about 16:00 hrs, he washed down his dredge operation, after which he and all his workers went to Honey Camp Landing, where they spent the night imbibing alcoholic beverages.
According to Rebecca Anton, a 45-year-old Cook and James’ reputed wife, at about 06:00 hrs yesterday, she realised that James was intoxicated. The woman said she managed to take him to camp where, on arrival, they met the suspect who was sitting at a table consuming High Wine. James then joined the suspect after which they both started to argue as to who was their employer.
The Brazilian national then armed himself with a knife, walked up to James and dealt him a stab to his lower abdomen. James then fell to the ground and became motionless.
Police subsequently arrived at the scene and the body was escorted to the Issano Health Post, where it was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr Wilson.
Efforts are being made to locate the suspect as investigations continue.
