Bandits attack family preparing for father’s memorial service

– one brother killed, two others injured

By Lakhram Bhagirat

What was supposed to be a time for reflection and reunion for the Saheed family of East La Penitence, Georgetown turned out to be a nightmare when bandits barged into their Lot 194 Freeman Street home and fired bullets indiscriminately, killing one of the brothers while injuring two others.

Fifty-eight-year-old Fazal Saheed of 18 Albion, Corentyne was killed during the ordeal, while his two other brothers — Tallim Saheed, 50, of Toronto, Canada and Shalim Saheed, 53, of the United States of America — received multiple gunshot wounds and are warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).
According to the Police, two masked men carried out the attack, and one was armed with a handgun. Investigations have so far revealed that the bandits gained access into the house via a door that was left open, and they surprised their victims, who were in the living room area. They then relieved them of their jewellery, and discharged several rounds at the brothers before fleeing the scene.

The Police were then alerted, and the victims were rushed to the GPH, where Fazal was pronounced dead on arrival, Talim was treated and warded, while Shalim had to undergo emergency surgery, and is listed as critical.
The Police retrieved several spent shells at the scene, and have since taken one suspect from the East La Penitence area into custody. The suspect is said to be assisting with investigations.
When the Guyana Times visited the home of the Saheeds, the trio’s eldest brother, Raymond, said there were approximately six relatives who arrived from the US and Canada for his late father’s first anniversary memorial service.
He related that the family was in the process of preparing for the service, which was supposed to be on Sunday, when the attack happened.
“My mom, sister-in-law and sister (were) in the kitchen after (midnight) when the bandits allegedly came through the front door, which was partially open. The gate was padlocked but they did not see how these guys came in; but apparently they jumped the fence and came in. When they came in, they probably had an altercation and the fellows fired the shots,” Raymond explained.
He said he was just preparing to retire to bed at his Subryanville home when he received a call at around 12:55am, from his sister, informing him that his brothers were shot.
“I enquired where my brothers are, and my sister indicated to me that they gone to the East La Penitence Police Station. I drove there and (persons there) told me that they are at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and I went there. I barged in to the triage room, and what I saw there I froze,” he said.

He told this publication that he saw his brothers lying side by side, with Fazal being already declared dead.

“He (Fazal) had between 3 and 4 gunshot wounds. The gunshot wound that caught my attention was the one that pierced his heart directly, and I believe that is what killed him almost instantly,” Raymond said.
The distraught man further explained that Tallim was shot in the shoulder, with the bullet exiting under his armpit. He was very conscious at that time, while his other brother, Shalim, had several gunshot wounds to his stomach. The doctors related that Shalim would require emergency surgery, since he was in a semi-conscious and critical state. The surgery was performed, but Shalim is still listed as critical, and is warded in the Intensive Care Unit of the GPHC.
Raymond took the time to bash 911 operators, since the family had reportedly called the number several times but there was no answer. On the other hand, he said Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman visited the family, promising to ensure that a proper and swift investigation is conducted and justice is served.
Fazal had been a businessman who manufactured sauces and spices. He leaves to mourn his son and wife.