By Kurt Campbell
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Relatives of the late Saleena Shakiel, 3 years, are upset and disappointed that after more than a year, the unlicensed driver responsible for the child’s untimely death is yet to be brought to justice.
Shakiel was killed on March 15, 2013 while shopping in Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara with her mother by a man, relatives could only identify as ‘Pally’, who was riding a motorcycle.
According to the child’s Aunt, Geeta Kallap, the man was placed on over $1M bail on the day her niece was buried and since then they have been unable to secure a Court hearing on the matter.
She told iNews that the matter was first at the Vreed-En-Hoop Magistrates’ Court where the matter was put off several times and later transferred to the Leonora Magistrates’ Court.
She said the family attended Court yesterday [June 18] and was given a date in September to return. Kallap bemoaned the manner in which investigators are communicating with them, claiming there are no reasons given for the postponement of the hearings, even when inquiries are made.
She said the accused rarely turns up for Court but is seen daily by the family roaming the streets.
“To be honest like poor people voice can’t be heard these days.”
She said it feels as though there is a deliberate attempt to frustrate relatives and “sweep the matter under the carpet.”
“He was unlicensed, the bike had no papers and he ran away… what could be so hard to try this case?” Kallap asked.
Kallap was adamant that her story be told so that attention can be drawn to the plight of the family.
Shame on police force and home affairs ministry.