As large groups of Lindeners started to block roads and set fires to debris in the town over the Police shooting death of 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters, President Irfaan Ali is trying to quell the protest and is assuring the residents of Linden that there will be a full and professional investigation into the man’s death at the hands of the Police.

“They have assured me that all the legal steps in dealing with this matter must and will be followed. The Police is under arrest. The Office of Professional Responsibility is undertaking its investigations and I am asking that whatever external support may be needed, that that support is sought to ensure that all parties, and all stakeholders are comfortable with the outcome of the investigation and the process of the investigation”, President Ali said.

To the residents of Linden, the President said the matter should not be seen or treated as a political issue.

“I want to say to the residents that we are going to ensure with support from independent support that this matter is dealt with professionally and this should not be exploited politically. This is not a political issue, this is a serious issue. I see the Police has issued a statement as to what were the circumstances surrounding the event and what led to the Police seeking the individual and all of that will also be investigated”, Ali assured.

21-year-old Ronaldo Peters was shot dead by Police Sergeant Michael Kendall on Monday afternoon at One Mile in Wismar, Linden.

Eyewitnesses said an unmarked mini-bus pulled up in front of a roadside bar where the youth and a group of friends were hanging out after work and a man in plain clothes with gun in hand jumped out of the mini-bus and chased after Peters as he ran from the area. Within seconds, gunshots were heard and the man in plain clothes later identified as the Police Sergeant was seen dragging the youth out of the yard by his collar and dumping him into the mini-bus.

The young man was eventually taken to the Linden Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Police in a statement claimed that the 21-year-old road construction worker was wanted for an allegation of rape. However, there was never a wanted bulletin issued for him and the man’s family said they were unaware of any such allegation or the youth being wanted.

They said Peters was involved in a road construction project and was at work everyday and never in hiding.

The Police shooting death has led to big protests in Wismar area of Linden today with the Police firing teargas and pellets at protestors who has set fire to debris and old tires on the One Mile Road.

The Police were forced to retreat as bricks, bottles and other missiles were hurled at them. A policeman was hit by an object and was seen bleeding from the head. A number of the protesters, who are demanding justice for Ronaldo were shot with pellets. A police 4×4 vehicle was also badly damaged as it was pelted with bricks and other objects.

The situation in the Wismar area remains worrying as the main road remains closed and the protest is ongoing.

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