Linden fatal Police shootings: RSS wraps up probe as 2nd investigation continues

…Police to seek legal advice on shooting of Ronaldo Peters

Two weeks after two men from Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) were shot dead allegedly by Police, the investigations into one of the cases has been completed while the probe into the other case remains ongoing.

The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the Regional Security System (RSS) have completed their investigation into the alleged fatal Police shooting of 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters which occurred on April 7.
Peters was reportedly shot dead at Shabba Bar by a plain clothes Police officer attached to the Wismar Police Station. The GPF in a statement had said that Peters was wanted for child rape. In this regard, the Police said a sergeant from the Wismar Police Station received information that Peters was seen at Shabba Bar in the One Mile area and as a result, the sergeant, armed with a 9mm service pistol, went to the bar.
It was alleged that upon seeing the Police ranks, he attempted to flee and tried to jump a nearby fence. According to Police, the Sergeant managed to pull Peters off the fence, and during the process of restraining him, his service pistol, held in his right hand, discharged, striking Peters. Peters was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he later succumbed to his injuries while.

The following day, sections of the mining town of Linden erupted into protests over the death. During the protests – which were marked by the burning of tyres and blocking off of roads – Police reportedly fatally shot a man, identified as 32-year-old Keon Fogenay. Eyewitnesses alleged that he was not actively participating in the protest but was struck while passing through the area.
Following the incidents, President Dr Irfaan Ali intervened and met with grieving families and regional officials. He assured them of thorough investigations into both incidents. In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Force revealed that with the investigation into Peters’ case completed, investigators are now seeking legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on the way forward. Meanwhile, in the case of Fogenay, the GPF said the investigations remains ongoing as additional witnesses have to be interviewed.
Additionally, according to the Police, RSS is also expected to submit a report containing findings and recommendations. The RSS had sent a three-member investigative team in Guyana to assist local authorities with investigations into the fatal Police shootings. This was done to added more credibility and independence to the investigations.
Moreover, the cops involved in the fatal shootings have been placed under close arrest, pending the outcome of the investigations.