RSS to probe police killings in Linden
Apr 09, 2025
Kaieteur News – Amid an escalation of violence in Linden following the shooting to death of a young man on Monday by police and the subsequent killing of a protester, President Irfaan Ali has announced that he has requested the regional Security System (RSS) to conduct a full investigation and he also held discussions with the relatives of the deceased and community leaders.
Deceased: Ronaldo Peters
Ronaldo Peters, 23, was shot dead on Monday afternoon by a policeman who claimed that the youth was wanted for rape and that, in trying to arrest him, his firearm accidentally went off and shot him. In the ensuing protest on Tuesday, another young man, Keon Dan Fogenay, was shot and killed by police who were trying to beat back protesters. “I have been fully briefed on the current situation in Linden. The Commissioner has advised me on the immediate actions taken: the police officers involved in the two incidents are currently under close arrest; a full investigation will be conducted with the support of the Regional Security System (RSS); every aspect of these incidents will be examined thoroughly and transparently, with external oversight,” Ali said in a statement.
The President added: “I will meet with the family members and community leaders to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns fully taken into account. I am appealing to all residents to remain calm and allow the independent investigation to be completed. All actions required as a result of the findings from this investigation will be pursued to the fullest extent.” The President later Tuesday evening met with the relatives.
Deceased: Keon Dan Fogenay
Police in an update said that gazetted police officers were injured during the unrest, during which ranks discharged rounds at the crowd in an effort to mitigate the situation, where they were burning tires and destroying government infrastructure. Additionally, police said as ranks engaged the protesters, they were greeted with missiles. The statement added, “The rounds discharged at the protesters caused the demise of a protester. The ranks were placed under arrest, and the Office of Professional Responsibility has commenced investigations. Members of the Regional Security System (RSS) will lead an independent investigation. Police vehicles were also vandalised and damaged in the process.”
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs also called for calm and assured residents of Wismar, Linden of a full investigation into the shooting incidents. The Ministry said it was extremely concerned about the ongoing unrest. “We recognise and regret the deep pain and concern which this incident has caused within the community, and we extend our sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Peters during this difficult time,” the Ministry said.
President Irfaan Ali
“The Ministry wishes to assure all residents that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness. The officer involved is currently under close arrest at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched a full and independent investigation. All necessary protocols are being duly followed. The Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn, is urging all residents to remain calm and peaceful.
In his appeal, Minister Benn stated, “I am calling on citizens not to allow this unfortunate event to degenerate into lawlessness or chaos. We must not lose sight of our responsibility to each other and our communities. Let us allow the due process of law to take its course, and refrain from actions which pose serious risks to public safety.” While we acknowledge the right of citizens to express their grief and demand accountability, we appeal for this to be done in a lawful and constructive manner. The blocking of roads, lighting of tires, and other acts of disorder only serve to endanger lives and further escalate tensions in the community.
Minister Benn is also calling on community leaders, civil society representatives, and all residents of Linden to work together in maintaining peace and order, as the investigation proceeds. The Ministry said too that it remains committed to transparency, justice, and the rule of law. “We will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses. Let us come together in this moment, not with violence, but with unity, dignity, and a shared commitment to justice and peace,” the statement concluded.
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