Kevon Gounga, 23; Marlon Gounga, 22; Damion Gounga, 20; and Uwe Joseph, 27; of Tumatumari, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of theft.
It is alleged that the quartet between September 3 and 6, stole welding rods, a gravel pump, mining hoses and a land dredge water pump amounting to $695,000 belonging to Kerry Ambrose.
Initially, the four men pleaded guilty with explanation but after Chief Magistrate McLennan listened to the men, a not guilty plea was entered.
The Prosecution contended that on the day in question the Virtual Complainant (VC), who is a dredge owner, secured the equipment at his camp and left for the landing.
The defendants were seen by workers of another camp moving the items and they informed the dredge owner. When the VC arrived at his camp, he noticed all of the equipment missing and called the Police. The defendants were arrested and they led Police to where the items were hidden.
The unrepresented defendants told the court that the items were given to them by the Virtual Complainant in return of moving a dredge for him.
The four men were granted bail in the sum of $30,000 each.
The matter was transferred to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court where the defendants will make their next appearance on October 17.
