Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, today confirmed that the investigations are ongoing by the Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility into a recent incident where members of the Special Branch Unit opened fire on a car that was being driven by a Police Sergeant.

Speaking to reporters this morning on the sidelines of an event, a clearly agitated Home Affairs Minister, ruled out reports that more than 80 shots were fired at the Policeman’s car by members of the Special Branch.

“There were some talks about 88 rounds being fired, of course impossible. Even a person, who isn’t skilled at arms, who could have the ability to shoot 88 rounds, would at least shoot the car. So, this suggestion that 88 rounds were fired at a car with a person in it, and they all missed, is ridiculous,” Minister Benn said.

In statement that came six days after the incident, the Guyana Police Force after being quizzed by reporters, revealed that Police Sergeant Ronald Payne was on his way home after completing a shift when the party of Special Branch ranks ordered him to stop and opened fire.

The Special Branch Officers, who were all dressed in civilian clothes and were in an unmarked vehicle, reportedly never identified themselves before opening fire in the direction of the Policeman’s car, forcing the Police Sergeant to drive to the Providence station, with them in pursuit. At the Providence Station, the Special Branch Officers realised that they had opened fire on one of their own after the Sergeant emerged from his car in his uniform. The Police Force said the Special Branch ranks claimed that the car matched the colour of a car linked to suspects in a murder probe.

Minister Robeson Benn today shut down several questions about whether he believes standard operating procedures were followed in the case. He said the matter remains under investigation.

“I have not read the reports, and I am saying, I am satisfied so far as to what was presented in the press that 88 rounds were fired at a car, and nobody was injured, nor the car was struck,” the Home Affairs Minister said, adding that “I am waiting for the review by the OPR and the Commissioner of Police on that aspect of it. I am not commenting further on the matter… It is getting the attention of the OPR… I am not confirming anything. I am telling you it is under the OPR”.

Benn would not say whether the five Special Branch Ranks remain under close arrest.

This latest incident followed the shooting death of a Police Sergeant at an interior location by a Police Constable during an operation in search of a prison escapee. That incident is also still under investigation.

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