Home Affairs Minister backs administrative leave for Karimbaksh amid rape allegations, but notes absence of Police Service Commission

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond opted to use the Starting Point podcast to break her silence on the serious allegations of sexual assault and rape leveled against the Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit, Fizal Karimbaksh by a female Police Officer.

In a snippet of the interview released today, the Home Affairs Minister said she believes the Deputy Commissioner of Police should be sent on administrative leave pending a full and independent investigation into the allegations of rape made against him by a serving female Police Officer.

Minister Walrond noted, however, that the Police Service Commission, which institutes disciplinary proceedings against Senior Police Officers, has not been reconstituted.

The Government is responsible for the reconstitution of the Police Service Commission and in the past, the President has used the absence of a reconstituted Police Service Commission to take action as it relates to senior Officers in the Police Force.

The Home Affairs Minister said she will have to have a conversation with Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken, on the way forward.

“It is my view and I hold this strong view that he should be sent on administrative leave pending the investigation and that is my view on this. The Police Service Commission should be the one ultimately to do that barring the fact it is not currently constitution, I would assume that it is a discussion we need to have with the Commissioner and myself as to how we address that,” Ms. Walrond stated.

The Minister said the Police Officer who made the allegations against the Deputy Commissioner, has since requested to be transferred from the Special Organized Crime Unit, where she was stationed. She has been transferred to another unit of the Force.

She said a statement was taken from the female Officer and as part of the investigation, statements will also be taken from others, including Deputy Commissioner Karimbash himself.

She said the Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, has already set up a team that will lead the investigation.

“The investigation will entail getting statements from the others whom they think may be appropriate to get statements from as well as statement from the accused—the Deputy Commissioner Karimbaksh and to hold a formal confrontation,” the Minister noted.

Noting that Mr. Karimbaksh’s position in the Police Force, Minister Walrond said a particular procedure has to be followed.

However, she noted that when the investigation is completed, it is up to the investigative team to recommend disciplinary or criminal action.

In a separate Facebook statement, the Minister said the matter will not be investigated or tried in the court of public opinion, adding that the allegations are serious and will be treated as such.

She said the law will not be ignored, nor will due process be bypassed, explaining further that she has confidence in the competence and professionalism of the investigative team.

“They must be allowed to do their work independently and thoroughly, without public interference or prejudgment. Let the evidence guide the process. Let the law take its course”, she said.

During a press conference today, the Opposition APNU again restated its call for Mr. Karimbaksh to be sent on administrative leave.

The party said it was deeply concerned by the extremely serious allegations made by the female Officer against him.

The party said whatever investigation takes place, must follow the evidence wherever it leads, and if criminal conduct or breaches of police discipline occurred, the proper charges, disciplinary measures, and other consequences provided for under the laws of Guyana must be taken without fear, favour, or regard to rank.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

APNU slams Government over ongoing delay in selecting a company to salvage MV Barima