Video evidence contradicts claims in Otis Payne case – Walrond

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has rejected allegations that 30-year-old Otis Payne, known as Otis Jordan, was beaten by Police prior to his death, stating that video evidence reviewed by authorities does not support the claims made by his family.
“We have seen footage that does not bear credence to the claim that he was beaten by the Police,” the Minister said during a side interview.
Payne, a resident of Haslington, East Coast Demerara, died while in Police custody on March 24 at the Cove and John Police Station. According to reports, relatives were only informed of his death on the day he was expected to appear in court on a domestic violence charge.
Upon arriving at the station, they were told that his body had already been transferred to the Enmore Regional Hospital mortuary.
His death has since sparked national concern and intense public scrutiny, particularly following the release of an autopsy, which concluded that he died from peritonitis, a severe infection of the abdominal cavity caused by a perforated stomach ulcer.
In the wake of the incident, two ranks of the Guyana Police Force who were on duty at the time have been placed under close arrest, while investigations are ongoing by the Office of Professional Responsibility.
Reports indicate that Payne had been arrested several days prior to his death in relation to a domestic violence matter and was scheduled to appear in court on the following Tuesday. Questions have since been raised about the length of time he remained in custody before being taken before the court.
Police have said that Payne complained of feeling unwell and was taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital for treatment. After being returned to the station, he reportedly complained again and later became motionless.
Despite the official findings, Payne’s mother, Amanda Kato, has strongly rejected the conclusion that her son died of natural causes. Having witnessed the post-mortem examination, she described his condition as alarming. “I saw his body; it had marks of violence… It looks like they beat up my son. I can’t accept that. I am not satisfied,” she said.
Responding to those allegations, Minister Walrond reaffirmed the Government’s position that any form of abuse in custody is unacceptable and will be addressed.
“There is no tolerance for that kind of behaviour or mistreatment of anyone in Police custody. I have dealt with similar reports before, and they have been dealt with very seriously,” she added.
The Minister also referenced a separate incident that surfaced on Tuesday involving a video circulating online, which allegedly shows Police ranks beating and using a taser on a civilian. The individual was reportedly taken to the hospital after complaining of pain and was allegedly having seizures.
“These things are taken extremely seriously by my office,” Walrond said, confirming that the matter is under active investigation and that a report has been requested.
Meanwhile, Payne’s death has triggered public demonstrations along the Haslington Public Road, where family members, friends, and residents gathered in protest, calling for justice and accountability.
Placards bearing messages such as “Justice for Jah Jah”, “Enough is enough, justice for Otis”, “Police brutality must stop”, and “When cops kill us, where is the justice?” were displayed as demonstrators voiced their concerns. The matter remains under investigation.