Bandits kill airline staff, snatch bag containing $437,000

Two bandits on a motorcycle shot and killed a 40-year-old baggage handler employed with Trans Guyana Airways on Friday as he was talking to his girlfriend after selling gold at a dealership.
Dead is Ronald Omar Smith of Wakapao, Pomeroon, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
Police on Friday evening said that enquiries revealed that Smith made several stops via car conducting business in and out of the city, in the company of a miner, who was driving him in motor car PZZ 6065.
According to Police, Smith made a sale of gold and placed $437,000 he received in a haversack and went to visit his girlfriend.
Reports are that the couple was standing in front of the Impeccable Beauty Salon, which is located on the western half of Camp Street, between Church and Quamina Streets, when the bandits approached them on an XR motorcycle.
According to Police, the pillion rider dismounted and discharged two rounds at Smith, who fell to the ground. The bandit then snatched Smith’s haversack which contained cash, after which he and his accomplice made good their escape north on Camp Street.
The injured man was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while receiving medical attention.
Police said that he was shot to his upper left shoulder, middle region of the abdomen and under the right armpit. The driver of the motor car in which Smith was travelling is in custody assisting with investigations.