…during investigations into robbery matter
A 14-year-old boy was on Monday allegedly beaten by Police officers attached to the Springlands Police Station in Corentyne, Berbice, during investigations into a robbery matter.
Based on reports received, on the day in question, the teen was arrested at his home in Springlands, East Berbice-Corentyne after a man made a report at the station that he [the man] had lost a bag containing a cellular phone and cash at the seawalls.
INews understands that earlier on the same day, the teenager and his friends were seen liming at the seawalls, and as such, they had all been implicated by the complainant.
Relatives of the child explained that upon being questioned, the teenager denied any knowledge of the accusation. However, a rank reportedly proceeded to beat him with a belt. “They beat he with the belt buckle”, claimed the relative.
The teen also recalled that he was forced to kneel on several small but sharp rocks while holding books in his outstretched arms above his head.
Family members informed INews that the child was allowed no visitors and was kept in custody until Tuesday.
They explained that contact was made with the Child Protection Agency office at Corentyne, and so officials from that entity made a report of the incident to the Whim Police Station. After the ranks from that law enforcement body contacted the Springlands Police Station, the child was released in the custody of his parents.
In pictures seen by INews, the teen’s body bore several large gashes which relatives claim were done as a result of the belt buckle. The teen’s face was also swollen and had visible marks indicating that he was beaten.
When this online publication made contact with Police “B” Division Commander, Ian Amsterdam, it was relayed that a report of the matter has been made to him and an investigation has been launched.
Just recently in March, allegations were raised against ranks of the Guyana Police Force for reportedly beating a man accused of committing a robbery in front of the Ministry of Finance.
Also, about seven years ago, two Police Officers were found criminally liable for burning a teenage boy’s privates in the Leonora Station lockups.
In the past, several law enforcement officials, including Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit ranks have been accused of “taking the law into their own hands.”
During the latter part of 2016, Assistant Commissioner, David Ramnarine had asserted that there would be a zero-tolerance approach to corrupt practices and harassment of citizens from members of the Force.
