The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has recommended that three policemen be charged following an incident at the Vigilance Police Station, East Coast Demerara on July 10, 2022 that resulted in a 17-year-old prisoner being burnt.
Legal advice was today provided to the Commissioner of Police and the Crime Chief, for the following:
1. Police Constable 25324 Nazier to be charged with the offence of failing to perform his duties with diligence, Contrary to Section 4(e)(ii) of the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01;
2. Police Corporal 18165 Thomas to be charged with the offence of neglect of duty, Contrary to Section 4(e)(i) of the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01; and
3. Police Corporal 20876 Bissessar to be charged with the offence of omitting to make a necessary entry, Contrary to Section 4(e) (Viii) of the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01.
The OPR has also advised that Keron Williams, who was in the lockups at the time of the incident, be charged with the offence of Introducing Prohibited Articles into Prison, Contrary to Section 54(1)(a) of the Prison Act, Chapter 11:01.
The advice came after the teen, Johiem Peters, accused cops of lighting him on fire. He said that he was also beaten and forced to say that he lit himself on fire.
Peters was arrested in connection to an alleged robbery under arms in which he was recognised as one of the attackers.
After he was locked up, ranks said they heard screaming and upon opening the cell door, they saw Peters on fire. A cigarette lighter, the force said, was used. Ranks also claimed that the lighter was given to Peters by one of the suspects at the station.
