Woman found murdered at Philippai Village

August 31 2026

Police are investigating the alleged murder of 25-year-old farmer Marinda Ernest of Philippai Village, Upper Mazaruni River.

The incident reportedly occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Ernest and her 23-year-old reputed husband had earlier participated in a self-help exercise with approximately 40 villagers at a farm located about an hour’s walk from their home.

The activity ended at around 4:00 p.m., after which the couple reportedly left for home. According to the reputed husband, while travelling along the main trail, he briefly entered the bushes and, upon returning, could not locate Ernest.

He reportedly continued home but did not find her there. He subsequently returned to the trail to search for her and allegedly discovered her unclothed and motionless body in bushes near a stream. Villagers were alerted and the matter was later reported to police at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29.

Investigators visited the area later that day and found Ernest’s body beneath a shed, covered with a sheet.

An examination revealed what appeared to be a puncture wound below the left breast, another to the back, as well as abrasions to the back and left leg.

The body is awaiting a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Ernest’s reputed husband remains in police custody as investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding her death.