Although the Guyana Police Force announced that serious crimes are down 21 per cent, another miner was on Friday shot and killed, this time at a mining camp at Mazawini, Port Kaituma, North West District, when gunmen invaded it.
Dead is Hilton Smith also called “Hilary” of Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).
Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that a group of men armed with high-powered rifles pounced on the mining pit and opened fire. This forced workers to run for cover in nearby bush.
The gunmen reportedly took away a quantity of raw gold.
After the gunmen left, Smith’s body was discovered with several gunshot wounds. His body was taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital Mortuary.
A team of investigators quickly travelled to the area of the shooting and launched an investigation. This incident has brought the number of murders in the interior to three for the past week.
On Monday last, the body of Abraham Khan, 24, of Third Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) was found in a shallow grave in 16 Miles, Issano.
Reports are that Khan along with another man were transporting a quantity of gold for their employer when they came under attack. The father of two was shot to his neck and relieved of the gold, after which the attackers escaped on his motorcycle.
A few days after, Jose Pozzer, 43, also called “Goodie” was found dead in Port Kaituma, North West District.
Based on reports, Pozzer left his mining camp at Mazawini, Port Kaituma, NWD after a “wash down” and he was paid in gold by his employers. He reportedly had eight ounces of gold when he ventured out to Port Kaituma centre.
Investigators, who travelled up to the area, believe that the man might have been beaten, robbed and fatally shot since there was evidence of lacerations, and a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
