GDF ranks implicated in Essequibo Coast robbery-rape under close arrest

Two members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) attached to the Sixth Infantry Battalion at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, were placed under close arrest following their implication in a robbery-rape committed on a couple on Saturday evening.
Based on reports received, the two ranks were accused of raping a young girl while her boyfriend was forced to watch in the vicinity of the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground. The incident reportedly occurred about 23:40h when the two young people reportedly went to the venue for an event.
While there, they were reportedly attacked by the two GDF ranks who beat the young man, took away his money and gold chain, and demanded that his girlfriend have sex with them or else they would rape him.
At first, this demand was shut down, but the two ranks severely beat the young man. They then allegedly took turns raping the young girl as she wept bitterly and asked them to stop.
The young man had no choice but to watch his girlfriend being sexually assaulted. After the ordeal, the young couple reported the matter to the Police Station. At the Police Station, the couple were told that there were no ranks available to search the area.
Family members took it upon themselves to look for the two perpetrators. Upon seeing the angry mob of residents, the two men escaped. The couple were taken to hospital where the young lady was admitted. The Police subsequently took statements from the two traumatised young people and an investigation was launched.
An identification parade was done Monday afternoon at the Suddie Police Station, and the two perpetrators were positively identified by the victims. This newspaper was told that while the ID parade was in progress, colleagues of the implicated ranks were heard shouting derogatory remarks at the victims.
Guyana Times understands that the young male victim is an acquaintance of both ranks. The GDF in a release on Monday stated that it would give the necessary support to the Guyana Police Force as the investigations continue into the heinous crime.