Guard remanded over stabbing of son-in-law

A security guard who allegedly stabbed his son-in-law several times in his back and abdomen was remanded to prison yesterday when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Osman Hussain, 48, pleaded not guilty to the charge of unlawful wounding.

It is alleged that on February 6, Hussain unlawfully wounded Balram Pertab with intent to maim, disfigure or cause him actual bodily harm.

Hussain told the court yesterday that on the day in question he had just entered Pertab’s home when Pertab dealt him a blow to his feet with a “2×4” length of wood. He said he fell to the ground and as he was attempting to get up to defend himself, a knife fell to the ground from Pertab’s pants pocket. He said he grabbed Pertab and a scuffle ensued.

He said that they both fell to the ground and it was during the scuffle that Pertab was wounded.

However, Pertab who was also present in court stated that on the day in question Hussain went home and started pounding on the door yelling, “I want meh clothes.”  He said he sent his foster son to open the door but when Hussain started kicking the door, he decided to open the door himself. He said Hussain plunged on him and dealt him nine stabs with a knife to his back and under his arms and abdomen. Hussain then fled the scene. Pertab was later rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

The magistrate subsequently ordered that Hussain be remanded to prison and that he appear again in court on March 24.