–driver in police custody

TWO Essequibo families are mourning the deaths of two fishermen who tragically lost their lives Tuesday morning on the Devonshire Castle Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

Dead are 52-year-old Mohan Maniram of Devonshire Castle and 23-year-old Zamaan Rafeek of Jib Paradise Region Two.

Police said the accident occurred around 01:00 hrs Tuesday, involving a black fielder wagon (PAD 831) and a bicycle.

The two fishermen were on a bicycle heading to sea to retrieve their fishing net when the accident occurred.

The twenty-one-year-old driver is currently in police custody. Reports indicate that he was under the influence of alcohol and had fled the scene, but was later arrested by police.

Information revealed that Maniram’s head was severed from his body due to the accident, while Rafeek’s body was flung into a nearby trench.

Rafeek’s body was later discovered floating and recovered.

Both men were friends and on their way to catch fish when the incident occurred.

Saleema Shakoor, the mother of Rafeek, told the Guyana Chronicle that she learned of her son’s death Tuesday morning after he did not return home, causing her worry.

She later reported to the Anna Regina police station that her son was missing since it was unusual that he didn’t return home.

“We waited on him, but we didn’t see him returning. Then we got a call, and the people said that he had been in an accident and he apparently drown in a trench,” the mother related.

She said her son was the sole breadwinner for their family since her husband is currently bedridden. He had returned from the sea only three days ago.

Bishoondai Maniram, the sister of Mohan Maniram said after being alerted by a cell phone call about an accident nearby, she immediately visited the scene where she saw her brother’s body lying lifeless on the road.

“It was tragic what happened; I am so sad at the kind of death my brother received. He was a loving person,” she said.

Rafeek’s body was retrieved from the nearby trench and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where a doctor pronounced him dead. Both bodies are currently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Police are continuing their investigations.