Four remanded for armed robbery in Berbice

Four persons were charged on Friday and subsequently remanded to prison in connection with a brazen armed robbery that targeted a 31-year-old businessman, Ravindra Somai, commonly referred to as ‘Buxton,’ who operates his tint shop at Belvedere, Corentyne Berbice.

The accused, identified as Eon Clarke, 34, a Carpenter of Lot 89 Number 2 Village, East Canje; Michael Embrace, 40, a mason of Lot 181 Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme; Faraud Khan, 24, a Laborer of Lot 2 ‘A’ Fyrish Village, and Dianne Mahase, 38, a hairdresser of Canefield, East Canje  made their appearance before the Albion Magistrates Court, presided over by  Magistrate Michelle Mathias.

The court heard that the incident under scrutiny occurred on January 31, 2025, when Somai was allegedly targeted in his place of business, which resulted not only in his victimization but also extended to two other individuals who were also present at the location during the commission of the robbery.

The accused were not required to enter any plea regarding the indictable charge at this stage of the proceedings.

During the court session, Police Prosecutor Sergeant Mark Stephens informed the court that the compilation of the case file is presently incomplete. He indicated that upon completion, the file would necessitate submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further legal evaluation.

Accordingly, Sergeant Stephens requested an extension of four weeks to finalize this essential documentation.

Khan, represented by Attorney Rodwell Jagmohan, cited the prosecution’s reliance on Khan’s caution statement and requested bail, which Magistrate Matihais denied.

Consequently, they were remanded to prison. Their next court appearance is scheduled for February 28, 2025.

Reports are that around 19:15 hours two masked men, armed with handguns, approached the shop on a Black and Red XR motorcycle. They threatened the businessman and his workers, demanding valuables.

At the time of the robbery, Somai was wearing two gold chains and a gold band, which were among the items stolen. The robbers also took $400,000 in cash and a Samsung S22 Plus phone valued at $120,000.

One of the bandits struck the businessman on the head with a handgun before forcing him to hand over his jewellery and money. After taking the items, the robbers fled the scene on their motorcycle.