conflicting reports received about shooting
Nearly one month after a woman was shot while working at the Guyana-China Friendship Park at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, a family member says relatives are becoming increasingly frustrated over what they describe as the slow pace of the police investigation.
The woman, who was struck by a bullet in the back of her foot while carrying out her duties as a labourer during an afternoon shift, has since been discharged from hospital. According to the family member, she has not returned to work and continues to deal with the trauma of the incident.
Speaking with Kiskadee Watch, the relative questioned the pace of the investigation, despite what the family believes is crucial eyewitness evidence.
They explained that the woman had been cleaning the washroom area near the bridge when her supervisor called her over to give her further instructions. As she walked away, he said, she suddenly grabbed the back of her foot and collapsed after what was described as a loud explosion.
The family member also challenged the initial information circulated that the woman had been struck by a stray bullet fired by armed bandits during a police chase.
The family’s concerns stem from the statement given by the person who was described as the key eyewitness. They alleged that the eyewitness told investigators she saw a police rank draw what appeared to be a firearm, heard a loud explosion, and then saw the woman collapse.
The family member said that after waiting several days for investigators to act, the family sought assistance from the employer of the woman, the Protected Areas Commission, They have since written to the Crime Chief requesting intervention in the matter.
According to the family, the letter was delivered on July 11, but as of July 23, they had still not received any substantive update.
“We allowed the police to do the investigation, but it feels like everything is being dragged out,” they said.
They acknowledged that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) recently met with them, treated them professionally, and requested additional evidence, including video footage. However, the family is still waiting for answers.
“The bullet entered through the back of her foot and exited. She can’t even go back to work. We just want justice and closure,” they said.
They further expressed concern that the investigation has not progressed with the urgency they expected, particularly given the impact the shooting has had on the family.
When contacted previously, a police source told Kiskadee Watch that the woman was struck by a stray bullet after three armed bandits, fleeing police on motorcycles, allegedly opened fire on ranks during a pursuit near the Guyana-China Friendship Park. Two suspects were reportedly arrested while a third escaped.
The investigation remains ongoing. No official update has since been issued by the Guyana Police Force addressing the family’s concerns or outlining the current status of the probe.
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