Two Police Officers are were taken into custody after they allegedly murdered a Brazilian miner in Puruni Backdam, Region Seven and tried to dispose of the body on Saturday.
The dead miner was identified as 37-year-old Estevao Marques Costa. However, the two Officers, a Subordinate and Constable who are attached to the in Kurupung Police Station abandoned their post sometime on Friday.
The men reportedly left on an ATV to patrol the area but subsequently left the area via a boat and went to a Landing in Puruni. Upon their arrival there, the Police Constable reportedly exited the boat and went to a shop.
The Subordinate Officer remained at the landing on the Constable’s return but upon hearing a loud explosion, he rushed to scene only to be told that the miner fired at the Police Constable and he returned fire thus mortally wounding him.
The Brazilian’s body was left lying on the ground but it was subsequently picked up and taken to the main Landing.
Other Police ranks who were in the area investigating another matter proceeded to the scene and took possession of the .30 carbine rifle which was used by the Constable.
The matter was reported to the Divisional Commander who ordered the arrest of the two ranks. A team of Officers have since been dispatched to Puruni to further investigate the matter. The man’s body is being transported to Georgetown.
