WEST Berbice resident Shazam Kalil is on trial for allegedly killing his girlfriend Shazina Mahamed at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice on January 17, 2015.He appeared before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the Berbice Assizes where he pleaded not guilty to the capital offence before a mixed jury. He is represented by former magistrate Tejnarine Ramroop.

In her opening address, State Prosecutrix Stacy Goodings revealed that on January 17, 2015, the now deceased Shazina Mahamed was with friends at Rosignol Village when the accused attacked and stabbed her. She was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

Seven witnesses, including family members, friends of the deceased, along with the police and a forensic pathologist are expected to testify during the trial, which is expected to last five days.

Police Constable Orwin Barton, testifying, recalled acting on a report of an alleged murder. Along with Superintendent Terrace Paul, he visited the home of the accused at Shieldstown Village, West Coast Berbice on January 18, 2015 at 0400hrs.

After putting the allegation under caution, the suspect opted to remain silent. Thereafter he was taken to the Blairmont Police Station where he was placed in custody.

The policeman said he knew the accused prior to the incident and had cause to visit him at his home on two occasions.

Questioned by Ramroop, the witness was unable to recall the names of the other three ranks who had accompanied him. He said on entering the home of the accused he shouted ‘inside’, and it was the father of the accused who responded and opened the door. The accused emerged a minute or two later.

Responding to the judge, the uniformed rank said he is not a Criminal Investigative Department rank. A report of murder should have been reported to the CID.

The trial is continuing.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the now deceased Mahamed of Edinburgh Scheme, East Bank Berbice was stabbed about her body around 19:00 hours on Saturday January 17, 2015, in front of the Yang Yi Chinese Restaurant at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice.

She had gone to the restaurant in the company of a male who was inside the restaurant purchasing a meal. During that period it is alleged that Khalil had cornered her when an argument arose and she was stabbed.