According to my son, he was alone in the backdam at Dryshore in Region 2 on February 5 last, when he saw a cow belonging to a cattle dealer/ butcher grazing his father’s young rice plants. He took possession of the animal which apparently had got loose from where it was tied with a length of rope, with the intention of taking it to the pound.In the process of taking the cow to the pound, my son told me that the butcher released the stray while broadsiding him with a cutlass, threatened to kill him and dealt him several cuffs to his face causing his lips to burst and bleed profusely. As a consequence, in fear of his life my son was forced to take measures to defend himself.
The same day, my son made a report at the Aurora Police Station where the investigations stalled, and this prompted me to make contact with the Deputy Commander at his office in Anna Regina. I was then told that charges had been filed against both my son and the butcher, with both of them having to appear at the Suddie court on Monday, Februry 15. A policeman came to my home the evening before with a reminder to attend court on that day.
However, precious time and passage money were wasted because after waiting the entire day without food, the case was not called. No further contact was made with me by the police but from information received my son’s case was called on Thursday, February 18, although through no fault of his my son was not present.
Time and money had to be wasted again to go to the court on another day to ascertain when my son’s matter was fixed for, and from enquiries I discovered the butcher was facing two charges – one for assault and the other for unlawful wounding. I have learnt that the case has been put down for hearing on March 19. It is hard for poor people to find the money to keep returning to court when cases are postponed.
Yours faithfully,
Bibi Zaleema Hamid
