THE police are investigating the suspected murder of 25-year-old farmer Marinda Ernest, whose body was discovered among bushes near a stream at Philippai Village, Upper Mazaruni River.
The incident reportedly occurred between 19:00hrs and 20:00hrs on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Initial investigations revealed that Ernest and her 23-year-old reputed husband had earlier participated with approximately 40 villagers in a self-help exercise at a farm located about one hour’s walk from their residence.
The exercise ended at approximately 16:00hrs, after which the couple left for home.
According to the police, Ernest’s reputed husband claimed that while they were travelling along the main trail, he briefly entered the bushes. Upon returning, he reportedly could not locate Ernest and proceeded home, but she was not there.
The man told investigators that he returned to the trail and searched the area, eventually discovering Ernest’s unclothed and motionless body among bushes near a stream. He subsequently alerted villagers.
The matter was reported to the police at approximately 07:00hrs on Saturday. Investigators later visited the scene and found Ernest’s body beneath a shed, covered with a sheet.
An examination revealed what appeared to be a puncture wound below her left breast, another puncture wound to her back, as well as abrasions to her back and left leg.
Ernest’s body is awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Her reputed husband remains in police custody and is assisting with the investigation which is in progress.