THE recent killings of two men by vigilantes, which took place in separate incidents, have evoked sentiments of condemnation from several quarters, including the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The condemnatory declarations have also resulted in immediate and tangible efforts being made to mitigate such unacceptable practices and occurrences, with Crime Chief Seelall Persaud indicating, yesterday, that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Crime and Detection Plan is in place as it relates to such happenings.
He added that for the murder of Alfred Munroe, of Manchester, Corentyne, Berbice, six persons have been placed before the court while that of Sophia victim Nigel Lowe is still being investigated.
Those charged with the murder of Munroe called ‘Guana Man’, on May 9, at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice are:
* Rudolph Samuels, 21, of Free Yard, Port Mourant;
* Aris Cecil called ‘Safick’, 20, of Free Yard, Port Mourant;
* Richard Griffith alias ‘Brick Head’, 18, of Free Yard, Port Mourant;
* Michael Lewis called ‘Mikey’, 27, of Free Yard, Port Mourant;
* Jafar Seetaram, 19, of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne and       
* Khrishnaraj Jagdeo called ‘Chris’, 47, of Free Yard, Port Mourant.
They all appeared before Magistrate Krishendat Persaud at Whim Magistrate’s Court, Corentyne, where they were remanded to prison until May 20.
Munroe and Annie Persaud alias ‘Short Hair’, 18, were, allegedly, beaten by some men at Port Mourant after being accused of breaking into a store at Port Mourant and he succumbed to his injuries while she was treated at Port Mourant Hospital and sent away.

NO-NONSENSE POLICY
The Deputy Commissioner (Crime) said the Police have adopted a no-nonsense policy as it regards to such crimes where citizens see the need to take matters into their own hands. But, once found culpable, they will face the full force of the law.
He said, if persons are caught red-handed committing crimes, be it pilfering or break and enter, they should be handed over to the police, promptly, for due action.
The GPF, in a statement said that “vigilante justice” is against the law and will be dealt with in a condign manner and persons found culpable will be dealt with severely according to law.
It stated that members of the public who apprehend persons suspected of having committed unlawful acts are to hand them over to the police in order that the lawful procedures can take place and not take the law into their own hands.
The police reported that three men have been arrested in the continuing investigations of the death of Nigel Lowe, whose nude body was found tied to a utility pole in ‘B Field, Sophia, at about 06:00 hrs on May 8.
The corpse bore marks of violence that appear to be chop wounds.
The ministry, in its press release, denounced the incidents of the “beating to death of two suspects” by citizens, who choose to take the law into their own hands.  

DUE PROCESS
The release noted that citizens are reminded that it is the responsibility of the GPF to deal with matters of law and order. While it is recognised that citizens have a right to defend themselves and property, this must be done in collaboration with the lawful authority and suspects must be allowed due process.
It added that citizens are encouraged to desist from responding violently as was done against Munroe and Lowe and are warned that persons who engage in such acts, when found, will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.
The release also said it is apposite to note the deafening silence coming from the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and other interest groups, as well as the main Opposition parties, which are, usually, vocal in their condemnation of lawmen, when deaths occur in their pursuit of criminal elements.
“Consistency rather than selectivity in responding to such occurrences should be practiced by those who claim to be interested in law and order and the value of life,” the ministry said in condemning vigilantism. (Michel Outridge)