The Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into an alleged sexual assault of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank on his female colleague.
In a statement on Tuesday, GDF said during a recent investigation of misconduct and breaches of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by some officers at Base Camp Ayanganna, they learnt of the allegation by one officer against another.
“Given the nature and seriousness of the allegation, the matter was reported to the Guyana Police Force which has undertaken an investigation,” the GDF said in its statement.
The statement added that they are committed to a full and thorough investigation of the matter, and will ensure that all ranks found culpable for any other misconduct or breaches of SOPs are disciplined in full accordance with the Defence Act and Force Regulations.
“The Guyana Defence Force recognises that the recent allegations of sexual assault against its ranks require immediate strategies beyond our current training regimen, that will specifically and directly address such deviant behaviour by some its ranks,” the statement read.
In this regard, the GDF said they intend to solicit the necessary expertise in crafting and implementing a strategy aimed at holistically addressing this issue.
Just weeks ago, five ranks from the GDF were under investigation after they were accused of raping a 15-year-old girl at a location in Mabaruma, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini).
It is still unclear what really transpired, but the Force in a statement has said given the seriousness of the incident, all five of the ranks were removed from the community and a board of inquiry was convened. (G9)
