Two Suriname police officers held over murder of Haitian

(de Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Acting Chief of Police Humphrey Tjin Liep Shie guarantees community need not doubt the police. He was shocked when he had to announce the arrest of two police officers involved in the murder of the Haitian Celius Molius (38). ‘This is a black day for the force,’ he said although he rejects allegations that a criminal gang is forming within the force.  Tjin Liep Shie held a press conference yesterday to inform the public on this case. Molius’ body was found Thursday afternoon with the hands tied behind his back along the Nieuw Weergevondenweg. The night before, he was dragged from his home by the suspects, who later appeared to be police sergeants Aniel Kallasingh and Haroen Nabibaks. The men told relatives that they could visit their loved one at police headquarters the next day. There was no record of his arrest, however, causing concern in the family. A police investigation soon led to discovery of the body which showed signs of shot wounds. The sergeants were caught on camera when they took Molius from his home, confirming their involvement. The chief is convinced that there is at least one more suspect still at large. The motive for the crime is as yet unknown. Tjin Liep Shie stated that the arrest of Molius was not a police action. ‘No records prove that the sergeants were acting on orders from the police,’ says Tjien Liep Shie. After a preliminary investigation a unit left for the District of Nickerie in the dead of night where the suspects would be found. The sergeants were indeed found in the border district and arrested at once. Both men were on leave, but assigned to a Paramaribo precinct. The police official confirms that this incident again stains the force. The Chief understand that society might doubt the police, but he advises everyone to call the emergency number in case of doubt over police actions. If this line of conduct continues, however, Tjin Liep Shie will resign. He promised harsh action against the few rotten apples. The police have not yet been able to prove a link between the murders of Ashish Biharie and Remi Abdoel, whose mutilated bodies were found along public roads. A recent survey by the United Nations in the Caribbean showed that more than half of young people in the region consider their respective country’s justice system corrupt and incompetent. Surinamese police officers scored poorly and were ranked among the rudest. Justice Minister Martin Misiedjan has, based on the report’s findings, appointed a commission to boost confidence in the police.