The operation was led by ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), who had been sent to Berbice some two weeks ago after the reported cases of robberies spiraled out of control.
Those killed in yesterday’s shootout were identified as 37-year-old Kelvin Shivgobin; Ramnarine Jagmohan and Sewchand Sewdat, all from Belvedere, Berbice. All the deceased have spent time in prison too.
Shivgobin and Sewdat were previously charged with robbery under arms. Shivgobin was wanted for the 2018 murder of two brothers which occurred in Black Bush Polder. Ramnarine Jagmohan on the other hand, was charged for the 2013 shooting to death of Hampshire’s businessman, Davendra Deodat.
He was released from prison in March last after his attorney, Chandra Sohan, made a no-case submission.
In a statement, the police said that acting on information received that strange persons were seen in the backlands of Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, a team of police ranks ventured out to the area on Sunday and whilst combing the area, they came under rapid gunfire.
The ranks immediately took up tactical positions and returned fire in the general direction from where the gunshots were coming. The exchange lasted for about five minutes was followed by a search of the area and the three males were found dead.
The Guyana Standard has been told that the police have since found a pistol, two revolvers, a rifle, three magazines, 253 rounds of live ammunition and seven spent shells.
Additionally, the ranks found three haversacks containing two yellow metal chains; four yellow metal earrings; two yellow metal finger rings; two silver bands; a yellow metal band; a silver pendant; GY$609,330; two foreign currency notes; two bulletproof vests; five cellular phones; a solar charger; torch lights; a crowbar, knife and cutlass; flash drive; topes and mask; duct tape and gloves along with 200 grams of cannabis.
Divisional Commander, Paul Langevine commended his ranks for a job well done. Over the past two months, there have been a steady case of gunmen attacking villagers in mostly Black Bush Polder. In one week, four families in that division were robbed at gunpoint.
The Commander said he hopes villagers can sleep more comfortably now.
