Threatened by Neighbourhood Police Officer

Dear Editor,

It is necessary for me to notify the general public of an unfortunate incident which occurred at Wakenaam on June 24, 2015. At around 19:00hrs I was in conversation with a friend when a Neighbourhood Police Officer walked by and started to accost me with heavy profanity. She confronted me over a petition that had been circulating in the community appealing for her dismissal. She even threatened to chop me up. Her behaviour was so distasteful that my friend left unceremoniously. I immediately rode to the Sans Souci Police Station to make a formal report.

The officer present at the time courteously requested that I come the following morning and speak to the sergeant. I insisted that my report should be documented but he refused.

The following morning I went back to the police station and spoke to the sergeant.

He said to me that he will speak to the Neighbourhood Police. I requested that the complaint be documented and the right action be taken. After going around in circles he decided to document my report. Having noticed that the sergeant seemed reluctant to take my report I immediately went to the Police Complaints Authority where I met an investigator and registered my complaint. He told me that the police have to be given some time to investigate the matter. On June 30, the investigator telephoned me and requested that I go back to the sergeant and ask for an update on my matter. I did that on July 1.

Editor, when I approached the sergeant for an update he said to me in an aggressive manner that he has to investigate the matter, write a report on it and send it for legal advice. I find this very strange because numerous reports about threatening language and abusive behaviour had been made against many persons who were charged and placed before the magistrate’s court.

Additionally, on Friday July 3, at approximately 11:00 hrs the sergeant had a confrontation between myself and the Neighbourhood Police Officer. I recorded the confrontation in its entirety. The sergeant acknowledged that he spoke with my friend who heard when I was accosted. The officer denied the allegations. The sergeant said he will make a diary entry.

Considering the above, it begs the question, is this Neighbourhood Police Officer heavily protected by higher authority or authorities?

Editor, I am now more scared than ever hence I am seeking help from higher authorities through your newspaper. I am not rich hence I cannot hire a bodyguard. I will be depending on the respective authorities to serve and protect me. Sad to say, I am not the only person this officer has accosted. Many other persons are victims of this officer’s uncouth behaviour.

Yours faithfully,

Ganesh Mahipaul

 

Editor’s note

We are sending a copy of this letter to Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud for any comment he might with to make.