QUINCY Benjamin, 25, and Roberto Miggins, 34, of Port Kaituma appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan on Tuesday jointly charged on two counts of murder.It is alleged that Miggins and Benjamin between October 12 and 13, 2016, at Ten Mile Backdam, murdered Mario Pozzer.

The duo is also charged for the murder of Hilton ‘Hilary’ Smith on October 14, 2016 at Mazawini Backdam, North West District.

The two were not required to plead when the charges were read to them at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. They were remanded to prison.

Miggins was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Euclyn Gomes, while attorney Leslie Sobers is representing Benjamin. The matter has been transferred to the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrate’s Court for November 2, 2016.

The bullet-riddled body of 43-year-old Pozzer was found at 10 Miles, Port Kaituma on October 13, by persons using the road.

From all indications, Pozzer was travelling to the backdam when he was gunned down. He was found next to the ATV he was using to get to his camp.

One day later, Smith, called “Hilary” of Pomeroon River, Region Two was shot and killed during a camp invasion at Mazawini, Port Kaituma, North West District.

Reports revealed that a group of men armed with high-powered rifles pounced on the mining pit and opened fire. This forced workers to run for cover in the nearby bush. The gunmen reportedly took away a quantity of raw gold.

After the gunmen left, Smith’s body was discovered with several gunshot wounds.

It was taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital mortuary.