A mother is demanding justice after her three sons were allegedly beaten, tortured and subjected to degrading treatment following an accusation that they stole material used in the recovery of gold.
Mary Fernandes, the mother of Dwayne Edmonds, Dexter Edmonds and Andre DeOliveira, made the emotional appeal in a video, calling on the authorities to investigate what she described as the brutal treatment of her children.
Fernandes said one of her sons had worked for the interior businessman involved for approximately three years, initially carrying out roadwork under a contract before being invited to work at a mining operation in the interior.
She said her son accepted the opportunity despite having little or no experience in mining.
However, according to Fernandes, the situation took a disturbing turn when her sons were accused of stealing mining matting.
The brothers have denied the allegation and maintain that they were never given a fair opportunity to explain themselves before violence was allegedly inflicted upon them.
Fernandes said she was particularly hurt because of the longstanding working relationship between her son and the businessman.
She questioned how someone who had employed and worked with her son for years could allow him and his brothers to be subjected to such treatment.
“I need justice,” Fernandes said, calling on the relevant authorities to look into the matter.
She also appealed directly to President Irfaan Ali, asking that action be taken to ensure that her sons receive justice.
The three brothers have given grim accounts of what they say they endured while in the interior.
According to their account, they were accused of stealing gold-mining matting, material commonly used in gold-recovery operations to trap gold particles.
DeOliveira reportedly suffered some of the most visible injuries.
Photographs and video footage circulating following the incident showed what appeared to be lacerations to his back, extensive bruising, a large red mark and an open wound.
In one of the videos, DeOliveira was seen restrained at the front of a Hymac, a heavy piece of mining equipment, following an assault.
The brothers are adamant that there was no proper investigation into the theft allegation.
They are now calling for an investigation and fair process noting that the son of their boss witnessed the beatings.
Fernandes said the situation has been particularly painful because her sons travelled into the interior to work and earn money to support themselves and their families.
According to Fernandes, the ordeal has also placed a financial burden on the family, with relatives having to send money to assist the men in returning home.
She said she was heartbroken when she saw her sons after they returned.
“I feel so bad,” Fernandes said, describing the treatment of her children as unfair and calling on someone to intervene.
She said that the men were also subjected to violence while in police custody and alleged that money was required before two of them were released.
Fernandes initially referred to one amount before correcting herself and stating that $350,000 was paid to secure the release of two of her sons.
She is demanding that the money be returned if it is established that it was improperly obtained.
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