Jagdeo says ‘no cover up’ in Linden shootings, promises actions will be taken after probe

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo Tuesday declared that there will be no “cover up” in the probe into the Linden Police shootings this week and promised that the necessary actions will be taken after that probe concludes.

Jagdeo reminded reporters that President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaged the families of those killed, offering assurances that a full, impartial investigation will be pursued. Jagdeo, too, engaged the families.

“I assured them again that the People’s Progressive Party and the government will not cover up anything in relation to these cases, that we are interested a full, impartial investigation and whatever the outcome, the consequences will be faced by those involved,” Jagdeo said at a party press conference on Thursday.

The shooting of Ronaldo Peters by a Police Sergeant, which took place on Monday afternoon in One Mile, Linden, prompted protests across the mining town throughout Tuesday. And the situation worsened when Keon Fogenay was fatally wounded by Police during the protests.

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Jagdeo reminded reporters that in both incidents, the Police Officers are under close arrest. And he reiterated, “Once the investigations are done, then whatever the outcome is, action will be taken.”

Peters, 21, was shot and killed by a Police Sergeant around 17:30hrs on Monday in Linden.

Police, acting on information received went to Shabba bar in One Mile, Linden in search for Peters, who they said was wanted for rape.

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The shooting was captured on CCTV footage which shows that Peters was standing by the roadside in the company of a group of men, who were sitting. A heavily-tinted minibus then approached and men in white t-shirt and black pants emerged. Peters is seen fleeing from the scene and the policemen from the minibus chased after him. Seconds later, a policeman is seen dragging Peters by the neck and taking him to the vehicle.

Police Headquarters claimed that Peters was wanted for a rape that occurred sometime between 1st December 2024 and 31st January 2025. Peter’s aunt whom he lived with, identified as Mary Benjamin, confirmed that the Police had contacted her seeking Peter’s whereabouts for questioning, but she didn’t turn him in to the Police and neither did he surrender to Police.

The ranks went to the location armed with service weapons. Police headquarters claimed the ranks “were fully dressed in uniform,” but the CCTV footage shows they were not.

Meanwhile, Fogenay, was killed when protests erupted in the town on Tuesday.