Bandits on Monday evening killed two brothers during a Corentyne, Berbice robbery.
Dead are Premchand Samaroo, 45, also called “Tully”, a labourer and a father of
The house where the incident took place
two of Bush Lot Farm; and his brother Harichand Samaroo, 46, called “Davo”, a farmer and father of three of Lot 81 Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne.
One of the brothers was shot at point blank range to the head while the other was beaten and subsequently died. The incident occurred at their mother’s home
situated at Lot 446 Bush Lot Village, Corentyne.
According to reports, at about 20:30h on Old Years night, the two brothers were at their mother’s home celebrating with an elder cousin, who was visiting from the United States.
Dead: Premchand Samaroo
During the celebration, a loud explosion was heard, which some family members dismissed as a squib but Premchand Samaroo’s relatives thought it was too loud and too close and decided to investigate. As Premchand walked from under the house, he was shot to the head and fell, dying seconds later.
His mother, Irene Samaroo, 67, who was at the time inside the house, said she went in search of a torchlight.
“He did sit down and eat food in the kitchen when we hear something like bomb coming from the backyard, so “Tully” went to see what happen and tell me to go bring the torchlight and he walk go,” the grieving mother related.
Her older son, Harichand Samaroo also went to investigate and was beaten by the bandits.
The dead men’s mother told Guyana Times that she was approached by one of the intruders as she reached the bottom of the step with the torchlight.
According to her, three masked men approached her. She said she saw two of
Dead: Harichand Samaroo
them were carrying firearms.
One went to her and two others went to her cousin, Moonilall Robert Kumar, 71, a US-based Guyanese, who came into the country the previous day for a two-month stay. Kumar said the third bandit was carrying a cutlass.
“One had a gun to me and the other had the cutlass and I tried to remain calm and they told me that they wanted money. He ask me for my wallet and I told him that I don’t have a wallet…” Kumar related.
The bandits also demanded money from the dead men’s mother.
“So I take out the money that I had in my shirt pocket and he say that he don’t want that.”
Irene related that one of the bandit demanded that he wanted cash and not jewellery. She related that the men escaped with US$350, just over $60,000 from her cousin and a further $6000 from her pocked before leaving.
She said the family then took the torchlight and went into the back yard in search
Mother of the dead men Irene Samaroo
of her son. Premchand’s lifeless body was found lying in a pool of blood.
“I say like they carry away my next son and start to holla. Somebody from the house over there say look him lying at the back. I go and shine the torchlight and I see him lying down and he can’t help himself.”
Harrychand was picked up and placed in a hammock where he asked for water and indicated that he received injuries to his abdomen.
He was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he died while receiving medical attention.
Meanwhile, his wife, Bhagwattie Harrypersaud, 47, explained that they were
Beaten: Moonilall Robert Kumar
married for 23 years and have three children – the eldest being 24.
Meanwhile, as investigations continue, several persons have been taken into custody for questioning in relation to the murders. (Andrew Carmichael)
