DNA samples of partially decomposed body sent for testing

Human remains at Kuribrong

The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples taken from a partially decomposed body, believed to be that of Patrick Vyfhuis, whose body was discovered in a mining camp, in Kuribrong, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was recently sent abroad to confirm if it is indeed the man’s remains.
This was confirmed by Commander of F Division (Interior locations), Kevin Adonis on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the remains are being kept at a mortuary in Georgetown as it awaits a possible post-mortem examination.
The body, suspected to be that of Vyfhuis of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, was discovered on July 25, clad in a white T-shirt and grey jeans, along with a pair of

blue sneakers.
Vyfhuis’ body was reportedly found by a pork-knocker some four miles away from the camp site where he was employed, and was later identified by his employer.
The man’s employers — of the said community from which Vyfhuis originated — are owners of a mining camp in the interior. They told Guyana Times that the man had been mentally ill and that they were unaware of this when they had hired him.
One of the employers explained that the man had left for the interior on July 11, 2018.
They related that after he arrived at the mining camp, he had been acting strangely, and had even told them that somebody wanted to kill him.
They further related that other workers on the camp attempted to control Vyfhuis’ absurd behaviour, but without success.
They said that as a result of this behaviour, on July 15, 2018, when they were about to escort the man to his home, the following happened. “When he reach on the landing he start running up and down at all them shops. So they (ended up) getting him back into the cruiser, and while going out now, he messed his skin up, so they stopped at a creek to wash off him, because he can’t go in the vehicle like that. So when they stop now, he run and gone in the bush,” the employer said.
Other employees again chased after the man, but failed in their attempts to apprehend him. The employer said a report was subsequently made to the Bartica and Mahdia Police Stations.
But Odessia Spencer, sister of the deceased man, rebutted the allegation made by Vyfhuis’ employer. According to her, her brother had never suffered from mental illness.
The employers and several employees have been questioned in relation to the incident.