AS the Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara murder/robbery trial continued in the Demerara High Court on Monday, 21 January 2019, following a voir dire (a trial within a trial) several witnesses took the stand.

According to the indictment, Allan Dorsett called “Baird”, “Fatman”, “Allen” or “Dada”; Delwayne Croft; Esan Lawrence called “Muscle”; Jermaine Williams called “Yankee”; Andrew Chandler called “Sonic” or “Sowie”; Samuel Bacchus called “Kirk”; and Casindra Dorsett called “Cassandra Singh-Dorsett” allegedly murdered Zulfiker Namdar called “Vickey” in the course or furtherance of a robbery on September 10, 2013, at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.

The State is expected to call 24 witnesses to take the stand.
The State is being represented by Tuanna Hardy in association with Teriq Mohammed and Abigail Gibbs, while attorneys Nigel Hughes and Ashley Henry are representing the Number One accused, Allan Dorsett.

Attorney Adrian Thompson is representing the Number Two, Three, and Seven accused, Delwayne Croft, Esan Lawrence and Casindra Singh-Dorsett respectively, meanwhile the Number Four, Five and Six accused-Jermaine Williams, Andrew Chandler and Samuel Bacchus.are being represented by attorney-at-law George Thomas.

In presenting the facts, State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy told the court that it wasn’t the usual murder since it happened in the furtherance of a robbery. She added, that all the accused present in court were a part of the plan to rob the family home of Zulfiker Namdar, on September 10, 2018. Namdar was shot and killed.

Detective Sergeant Krishnadat Singh in his testimony told the court, that on September 10, 2013, at the Leonora Police Station, he put the allegation to the Number One accused, Alan Dorsett, who then opted to make a statement.

Dorsett, however, elected Singh to record his statement after being told of his rights. The statement was admitted as evidence in the trial.

Under cross examination by defence counsel, Nigel Hughes for the Number One accused Alan Dorsett, the witness, when questioned, admitted that he knew one Nick Skeete for about two years prior to the robbery/murder. He added that Skeete was first arrested as a suspect in the matter but was in protective custody and was said to be the star witness in the case.

Meanwhile, under cross-examination by defence counsel George Thomas, for the Number Four, Five, and Six accused, Singh said he was not present at the Leonora Police Station when Andrew Chandler, the Number Five accused, was being grilled by a group of ranks and was electrocuted.

Singh, the police witness, when asked if Skeete’s hands were swabbed for gun powder residue and his house searched, responded in the negative.

Also taking the stand was Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP) Leyland Burnett, who, in 2013, was one of the lead investigators of the case. He told the court that he contacted the Number One accused, Alan Dorsett, on September 16, 2013, and informed him that it was alleged that he, in the company of others, while armed with dangerous weapons (firearms) robbed and murdered Zulfikar Namdar.

Burnett said Alan told him “I gon tell you the whole truth wah happen” and, after he (Alan) was informed of his rights, he indicated that he wanted to give a statement. The statement was recorded by Burnett and given to Dorsett to read and affix his signature. Singh witnessed what transpired between Burnett and Dorsett.

Burnett told the court that the Number One accused was not under duress nor, was he threatened or promised anything and he gave his statement freely.
An application was then made by the State for the Burnett to be shown the caution statement which he identified by several means, including his own hand-writing.

Burnett, reading from the caution statement said “I (Alan Dorsett), went by my cousin’s house before the MMZ robbery/murder, and he said he get a man wah does do wuk, and will tell me when the money come by the masjid. Next day, me went by the wash bay and was told that there was a big robbery in the street, and meh turn meh car around and neva pick up anyone.”

Burnett testified that, on September 17, 2013 a party of cops went to the home of the Number Five accused, Chandler, and put the allegation of murder/robbery to him. Chandler, however, remained silent and was arrested and taken to the Leonora Police Station for questioning.

Burnett told the court that on September 19, 2013 he held a confrontation with the Number One accused Dorsett and Nick Skeete.

Skeete said that, on the day in question, the group, except for Dorsett and Croft, were armed with guns and he was told that they were going to rob the shop across the road.
He later heard that Namdar was shot and killed. Skeete admitted that, prior to the incident, the group members had discussed the intended robbery with him.

In response, Burnett said Dorsett replied saying “Meh nah know nun about that.”
Burnett testified too, that he also held a confrontation with Chris Jagdeo and Dorsett.

Also taking the stand was Detective Sergeant Rodwell Sarrabo.

The matter continues before Justice Navindra Singh at 09:00hrs on today, Tuesday, January 22, 2019, with more witnesses expected to take the stand.