Shooting of unarmed men: Major Crimes to take over investigation

L-R Crime Chief Wendell Balnhum, A Division Commander Simon Mcbean, Top Cop Nigel Hoppie, Force PRO Andries-Junor 

The Major Crime Investigations Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department will today commence work on the file in relation to the shooting of two young men who were among four in a car that the police opened fire on three weeks ago on D’Urban Street.

This was hinted by the Commissioner of Police (acting) Nigel Hoppie and confirmed by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Sunday after a visit to the home of Cecil Sampat, who was shot several times during the incident and succumbed to his injuries.

“We came here to give the relatives the assurance that we will ensure that a complete investigation -with no stone left unturned – is done in this matter, and those found culpable will and must be dealt with according to law,” Hoppie told BIG Smith News Watch on Sunday.

On July 25, the police commenced a trace of a car, PYY 4432, which the young men were in. The trace, which started at Agricola and ended on D’Urban Street, attracted a number of police vehicles that responded to a radio transmission indicating one of the four men in the vehicle was armed with a gun.

In a video seen by this publication, the car could be seen performing several manoeuvres to avoid police capture, but in the end the occupants failed in their bid after the lawmen cornered them. A search of the vehicle did not net anything illegal.

All the police who responded to the development on the night in question were placed under close arrest. Yesterday, Commissioner Hoppie could not say definitively if the hands of all the ranks were dusted for gunpowder residue. We were however told that the two young men who were not shot in the incident had their hands dusted.

 “As we speak the matter is being dealt with by the Crime Chief, and there will be checks to ensure that adherence to all procedures regarding investigations are done, and I am certain that in that process of review, checks will be made to see what was done and what may not have been done,” the acting Top Cop noted.

Also speaking with BIG Smith News Watch was Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who assured that a special team will commence work on the file from today.

“I have not been able to review the file, but based on the initial facts, I have decided to put together a team, and the team will be dedicated to ensuring that the family receives justice. We will be assembling tomorrow (today, Monday) and the investigators will be tasked with re-examining all statements taken so far, and all evidence and statements so far will be put together and a file sent to the DPP for legal advice, and those responsible will be brought to justice” the Crime Chief disclosed.

A relative of the deceased told this publication that she was pleased with the visit, and said that it all sounded well, as the family was now being told what they wanted to hear.

She however was clear to point out that the senior officers coming to visit them and saying what they want to hear is not all, as the family will be looking to see action which would result in justice for them.

The Commissioner was accompanied by Regional Commander 4-A Simon McBean, Public Relations Officer Royston Andries Junor and a pastor who prayed with the family.