Minibus driver convicted of raping schoolgirl

A 44-year-old minibus driver was on Monday convicted by a 12-member jury on two counts of rape committed on a 15-year-old schoolgirl.

Inteaz Mohamed called “Uncle Shameer” of Success, East Coast Demerara was on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Demerara High Court. He is accused of raping the girl between September 2014 and January 2015.

The jury found Mohamed guilty on both counts and he was remanded to prison until July 2, 2021, until his sentencing hearing.

Mohamed was represented by attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat, while the State’s case was presented by Prosecutors Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig.

In his defense, Mohamed claimed that in April 2014, he had to undergo surgery for a hernia and was unable to perform sexual activities since it would become painful. However, no medical evidence was proffered to the court to back up this claim.

Mohamed also claimed that the victim’s story was fabricated by her brother. Lastly, Mohamed also alleged that he would only transport primary school pupils to school and not students from secondary school. He also claimed that his sister would be present with him during the journey.

According to reports, Mohamed was known to the victim and her family. Mohamed, who operates a school bus shuttle, would pick up the victim from home and take her to school. He would also take her home after school.

It is alleged that during September 2014, the victim was picked up from school by Mohamed and taken to a dark and bushy area away from her home and raped. She was allegedly threatened by Mohammed, who told her not to tell anyone and if she reported it, he will get charged for rape and will kill both of them.

It was further alleged that during January 2015, the victim was picked up from her school lesson by Mohamed and was taken to the same location and raped again.

After this incident, in February 2015, the victim’s elder brother started to pick her up from lessons until she finished school.

During this time, it is alleged that Mohamed managed to get the victim’s cell phone number and would often harass her.

In February 2018, it was alleged that Mohamed went to the victim’s home and gave her a letter while her mother was out. Before leaving he allegedly threatened the victim not to disclose the contents of the letter or else he would kill her.

The victim told her brother about the incident with Mohamed, and the matter was reported to the police.

Mohamed was later arrested and charged.