FOLLOWING the discovery of the decomposed body of Petal Hafeez, which was found in an isolated area along Thomas Island, Cuyuni River, a 38-year-old miner has been charged for her murder.

James Allen appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plea to the capital offence which alleged that between June 28, 2018 and July 8, 2018 at Thomas Island he murdered Hafeez.

Allen of Two Friends, East Coast Demerara was represented by attorney-at-law Trenton Lake. Prosecutor is Inspector Gordon Mansfield but the matter is being transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for August 16.

According to reports Hafeez went to work at a mining camp as a cook in the company of Allen. The woman was last heard and seen on June 28.

On July 8, Hafeez’s remains were found at a place called Thomas Island and the discovery was made by two males who were in a boat and encountered a strong stench.

The men tracked down the smell and found what appeared to be the remains of a female. The men shortly after informed the police of their discovery.

Arriving at the location, the police found the remains of a woman was in a shallow grave and next to the body was a suitcase with clothes.