THE five Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks who are accused of raping a teenager in Mabaruma, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini), have been “withdrawn” from the community and a Board of Inquiry has been convened.

A brief statement from the GDF did not state where the ranks were “withdrawn” to or whether they were transferred.

“The conduct and professionalism of our ranks are premiere factors in our mission accomplishment. The Force will therefore spare no measure to ensure our ranks uphold our Values and Standards, and maintain the confidence of the communities which we are sworn to serve and defend,” the GDF statement noted on Monday.

It concluded: “The Force’s operational posture on the Border remains alert and the safety and security of our citizens are assured.”

The GDF, in a previous statement on Sunday, revealed that the police are investigating the rape allegation and that the ranks were cooperating.
The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the 15-year-old girl was raped sometime between February 5 and 6, 2021, by the soldiers who were stationed at the White Water Joint Services Base.