Three charged with looting during Sophia unrest

Three persons, including a 16-year-old, were charged yesterday over looting that occurred in ‘C’ Field, Sophia during protests on Election Day.

Clive Baird, 27, of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, was charged with two counts of simple larceny, which were read to him by Magistrate Zamilla Ally at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

According to Prosecutor John Singh, the police received information that Baird looted electrical and musical appliances from a home. Singh said based on information received, the police went to Baird’s home and found the stolen items there.

Baird, who pleaded not guilty, was remanded to prison and he will return to court on June 5th.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old, of ‘C’ Field, Sophia and Melroy Weekes, 19, of ‘D’ Field Sophia, were also jointly charged. The prosecutor said both were caught stealing a battery from a canter.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The 16-year-old and Weekes were placed on $30,000 bail each and they will return to court on June 8.

Four persons were taken into custody following the torching of vehicles, a house and a shack with a horse stable attached in ‘C’ Field, Sophia on Monday night.

The unrest erupted after a rumour spread that ballot boxes were in the PPP/C command Centre located in the area.