Trial set for policewoman charged with teen’s death

August 11 2026

The trial of police corporal Yonelle Cumberbatch, who is charged in connection with the death of 15-year-old schoolboy Navindra Mahes, is set to begin on August 17.

Cumberbatch, 35, had previously appeared before the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court, where the trial date was fixed.

She pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

The charge stems from an October 30, 2025 accident on Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara. Cumberbatch is accused of driving motorcar PAB 214 dangerously and striking Mahes as he attempted to cross the roadway at a pedestrian crossing.

Mahes, an Annandale Secondary School student, sustained serious injuries, including head trauma and a fractured right leg.

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he died while receiving treatment at about 9:56 a.m.

Cumberbatch was then granted $500,000 bail and is required to report to police on the first Monday of each month.

She was also required to surrender her passport to the court.

The trial is scheduled to commence on August 17.

(Source: Justice for Navindra Mahes Facebook page)