Two men, who invaded a wedding house on Old Year’s Day at Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara, and killed Natram Persaud during a robbery, were on Monday remanded to prison.
Otto Pitman called “One Dan” and Oliver Franklyn were slapped with a murder charge and appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Vreed-En-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.
Pitman and Franklyn were charged for the murder of Natram Persaud known as “Vishal” and the attempted murder committed of Manipual Ramberhak.
Police said that 35-year-old Pitman of Lot 50 School Street, Good Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, was arrested on January 3 and charged under Section 100 (1)(c)(i) of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01 for murder, committed on Natram Persaud.
Pitman appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Vreed-En-Hoop Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He was not required to plea and was remanded to prison until 2024-02-07.
Taxi driver, Franklyn of Lot 276 Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was arrested on January 1 and also charged under Section 100 (1)(c)(i) of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01 for murder, committed on Natram Persaud. He too appeared before Magistrate McGusty at Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.
They were both remanded to prison and the case will continue on February 7 at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.
It was reported that the murder/robbery was committed by men, who were all dressed in dark clothing, and one of them was armed with a handgun.
Rambarhak was reportedly sitting at the western side of the entrance of the wedding house along with another friend when the bandits approached him during which one of them discharged two rounds at him and relieved him of his gold band valued at $250,000.
As the men were leaving, Persaud reportedly chased after them. He eventually caught up with the men and a scuffle ensued with one of them.
During the scuffle, a loud explosion was heard, after which Persaud fell to the ground. The bandits then made good their escape. As relatives rushed to assist Rambarhak and Persaud, they realised that they were shot.
They were picked up and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where Persaud was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police said that Rambarhak sustained a gunshot injury to his stomach, which exited his lower back, while Persaud received a gunshot injury to the back of his head.
According to Police, three .45mm spent shells were recovered – one on the bridge area and two at the entrance of the yard. Several CCTV cameras were seen affixed to the building where the wedding function was held, and these were reviewed by detectives.
