Two teenage schoolgirls from Supply, East Bank Demerara, have been reported missing after they left their homes on Sunday and never returned.
The girls, 13-year-old Aneeza Bangatt and 15-year-old Shavine Russell, both students of Soesdyke Secondary School, were last seen leaving home around 10:30 on Monday in a black 192 Toyota motorcar bearing registration number PJJ 1933, heading to an unknown destination.
Their disappearance was reported to the police later that evening at 19:36h, after relatives were unable to reach them.
According to the police, both Aneeza and Shavine are of slim build, stand about four feet seven inches tall, have shoulder-length hair, and are described as brown in complexion. The teenagers are known to be close friends and have been attending the same school for some time.
Investigators said a photo of a male individual who was reportedly last seen in their company has also been circulated, and efforts are being intensified to locate him.
The Guyana Police Force is urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the missing girls or the individual they were last seen with to make urgent contact with the nearest police station or call the Commander of Regional Police Division 4B, Superintendent Wayne DeHeart, on telephone number 661-4716.
Photographs of the missing girls and the male in question have since been released by the authorities. As the search continues, family members are appealing for the safe return of the girls, while police investigations remain active.
More than a month ago, 13-year-old Cadacia James went missing from her home in Plaisance, sparking days of searches and public appeals. She was found on June 25 and reunited with her family after being dropped off at the La Penitence Police Station by a taxi driver.
A similar incident occurred more than a month ago, where a teen had reportedly spent several days at the home of a man known to the family as “Uncle Andre”, who is now in police custody. Though not a relative, he had gained the family’s trust through frequent visits. Cadacia later told her mother she had been put out by the man and was afraid to return home.
Authorities were able to trace her social media activity, which reportedly led to the suspect’s residence. The teen is now receiving counselling and was interviewed by child protection officers. Investigations are ongoing, with continued involvement from police and child protection officials.