Four months after a shocking kidnapping and armed robbery at a Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) checkpoint in the South Rupununi region, victims are still grappling with the trauma of their ordeal. The incident, which occurred on November 2, 2024, at the Bush Mouth checkpoint near the Marudi mining area, has left a lasting impact on both the victims and the surrounding communities.
The attack unfolded when six masked gunmen, believed to be Brazilian nationals due to their Portuguese accents, ambushed a group of nine individuals at the checkpoint. The victims, a mix of Guyanese and Brazilian nationals, included Natural Resources Officers, a Guyana Defence Force Lieutenant, and local community members.
One of the victims, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted the hair-raising experience, describing the sudden appearance of heavily armed men and the wild shooting that ensued. The assailants, strategically positioned around the checkpoint, quickly overpowered the group and initiated a robbery before taking them hostage.
The gunmen made off with a significant haul, including raw gold, two Glock pistols, and a Movado watch valued at GY$140,000. Additionally, it has come to light that the perpetrators escaped with four heavy NorthFace travel bags, the contents of which remain undisclosed6.
In a twist that highlights the sophistication of the operation, one Brazilian victim, Dionei Faribas De Brito, revealed that he was forced to transfer over 30,000 Brazilian Reais (approximately GY$1.2 million) to the kidnappers’ Pix account – a part of Brazil’s instant payment system – to secure his release.
The South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) has called for a suspension of mining operations in the wake of the incident, underscoring the deep concern felt by local communities. The attack has not only raised questions about security measures at mining checkpoints but has also strained relations between local indigenous communities and the mining sector.
As investigations continue, members of the Joint Services have been combing areas near Bashaizon Village and along the Takutu River in pursuit of the suspects. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced security measures and a reevaluation of mining practices in the region.
The lingering fear of a possible recurrence continues to affect the victims and the wider community. This event serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges faced in remote mining areas and the need for robust protective measures for both workers and local residents.
As the South Rupununi grapples with the aftermath of this violent incident, authorities are under pressure to bring the perpetrators to justice and implement stricter security protocols to prevent future occurrences of this nature.
