-family pressing for answers
Police officers yesterday urged the grieving family of 16-year-old Altaf King not to be influenced by “stories” from members of the public as relatives confronted investigators with allegations that cops had previously released the motorcycle King was riding after allegedly accepting a $10,000 payment despite knowing he did not have a licence.
The visit to the homes of King’s mother and grandmother came one day after the teenager was killed following a police chase in Corriverton, Berbice.
In a video circulating on social media, officers were seen speaking with King’s mother, requesting that the family allow them the opportunity to carry out their work as law enforcement. During the visit, one officer told the teen’s mother, “persons are going to bring all sorts of stories to you they gonna tell you good things they gonna tell you bad things,” while admitting that he could not “decipher” the two. He encouraged her to remain strong with the support of other family members, adding, “understand that this is a time to grieve and it’s not a time to listen to people and do things that they would want you to do.”
The officers continued to caution the family, saying, “a lot of people gonna come to you gonna throw a narrative….a story to you and tell you ok this is what and this is what.” They also informed the relatives that multiple units of the Guyana Police Force were in the region conducting the investigation.
In response, family members questioned whether the officers were aware that the motorcycle King had been riding was previously seized by police before being returned. They asked, “were you aware that the bike was lodged at your station in the month of April?” An officer responded that “it was on record that it was lodged.”
The family then pressed further, asking, “do you know that they took money and gave the bike back to the same rider knowing that he did not carry a driver licence?” The police remained silent for several seconds before one officer quietly responded, “I did not know.”
Relatives alleged they had sent a female rider with a valid licence to uplift the motorcycle but were informed that King had already uplifted it after paying $10,000 to have it returned.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed visited the community in Berbice, where residents gathered in support of King’s family and called for justice. Many described the teenager as a quiet child who did not deserve to die the way he did, insisting that “he was not a bad child.”
Residents also alleged that the officer involved in the incident was not a traffic cop and further claimed that one of the witnesses who publicly spoke about what occurred on Thursday evening has since been taken into police custody.
Earlier yesterday, in a Facebook post, the Guyana Police Force said Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus, Commander of Regional Police Division #6, along with members of his command team and the Cops and Faith Unit, visited King’s mother and grandmother to extend condolences on behalf of Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, the Executive Leadership Team and the Guyana Police Force.
According to the Force, Commander Bacchus assured the family that the Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting “a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation” into the incident and encouraged them to continue cooperating with investigators “so that the truth can be established and justice served.”
Kiskadee Watch understands that the incident occurred at around 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. However, the area where the incident occurred was reportedly not cordoned off until approximately 9:00 p.m.
Within minutes of the incident, angry residents took to the streets, demanding accountability from those involved. Many questioned why police officers were allegedly chasing the teenager through a street and called for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a statement on Thursday night the police vowed a swift probe.
“The Guyana Police Force Office of Professional Responsibility has commenced an immediate investigation into the death of (Altaf) King, a 16-year-old of Eliza Mary Race Course, Corentyne, Berbice, which occurred on Thursday, June 25, 2026, about 18:45 hrs, on Princeton Access Road, Corentyne, Berbice.
“Enquiries disclosed that King was riding motorcycle #CL 5607 when he attempted to evade a Police patrol, lost control of the motorcycle, and collided with a utility pole.
“King sustained injuries and was conveyed to the No. 75 Regional Public Hospital, where he was examined and pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.
“The OPR investigation will examine all aspects of the incident and establish whether there was any criminal or disciplinary culpability.
“The Guyana Police Force recognises the seriousness of this matter and assures the relatives of the deceased and members of the public that appropriate action will be taken should any criminal or disciplinary culpability be established. Investigations are ongoing.”
Meanwhile, We Invest in Nationhood MP and shadow minister of home affairs, Toshana Famey Corlette called for an impartial probe.
“What changes have been made to the Force’s use of force policy? Has the pursuit policy been reviewed? What additional training is being provided? What systems are in place to identify officers who repeatedly breach professional standards? What measures are being taken to reduce the number of these incidents? The Guyana Police Force exists to protect the people of this country. The overwhelming majority of officers carry out their duties professionally and honourably. They should not have their reputation damaged by those who fall short of the standards expected of the uniform.”, she said.
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