Timehri police ranks deny raping young man- Police Commissioner

Georgetown : The Office of Professional Responsibility for the Guyana Police Force is expected to conclude its investigation into the alleged abuse and anal rape of Colwyn Harding by police ranks on January 21, according to Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell during a media briefing.

Accompanied by other senior officers, including Crime Chief Seelall Persaud and A- Division Commander George Vyphuis, the Commissioner outlined the course of events leading to the investigation and the action taken thus far.

The incident reportedly took place sometime between November 15 -18, 2013 when the 23- year old was taken into custody at the Timehri Police Station, pending investigations into a report of break and enter and larceny. Harding was remanded to prison on November 19, after an initial appearance the previous day.

The Commissioner stated, “During that period he committed the offences of assaulting a peace officer and disorderly behaviour for which he was charged and appeared in court on November 18, 2013. Colwyn Harding was placed on bail in the sum of $50,000, but he was unable to raise this sum and was remanded to prison. The matters are still before the court.”

In his statement, the Police Commissioner noted that the “The Administration of the Police Force was first informed of the alleged sexual assault by the police of Colwyn Harding by way of a text message from Harding’s mother to the Commissioner of Police during December 2013”. The report was passed to the Commander of the A-Division, George Vyphuis to commence an investigation as is standard procedure.

Commissioner Brumell said he did not know the extent of the assault until January 9, when he was contacted by a reporter. After being informed about the severity of the case, the investigation was immediately passed to the OPR for an in-depth investigation. The Police Constable accused of the act is under close arrest, whilst the six to eight ranks on duty at the time of the reported incident, including the officer in charge have been transferred to Georgetown.

The Timehri Police ranks implicated have all denied that a condom laden baton was inserted it into the anus of the young man. Harding is currently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital, since he suffered ruptured intestines as a result of the alleged act.

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud admitted that there was a lack of supervision at the Timehri Police Station and some standard operating procedures were not followed. He said there were lapses in management at the station, and when asked about the vetting of potential ranks who wish to join the force, he stated that as part of the reform process a number of best practices and procedures will be examined via an on-going consultancy.

It was reiterated that the Guyana Police Force, like any organisation may have a few rogue elements, but every effort will be made to get rid of them as soon as possible.