Police probe armed robbery at Mara Mara Backdam, miner injured

Police in Regional Division Seven have launched an investigation into an alleged robbery under arms that occurred on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Mara Mara Backdam along the Middle Mazaruni River.

The incident, which took place between 16:30h and 17:00h, was committed against a 32-year-old gold miner of Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the miner was travelling from a mining pit to his camp with two co-workers on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when they were intercepted by an armed man who emerged from nearby bushes and ordered them to dismount.

During the confrontation, the suspect discharged a firearm, striking one of the workers — a 62-year-old Brazilian gold miner — in his left foot above the ankle. Two additional masked gunmen, reportedly armed with what appeared to be firearms, later joined the suspect.

The men were then taken to the mining camp, which was ransacked by the suspects. However, police said no valuables were obtained during the incident.

The suspects subsequently escaped with the ATV and fled in an unknown direction.

The injured miner was transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

Police said efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the suspects as investigations continue.