Handyman arrested over Good Hope farmers’ deaths

The police have arrested the handyman of the elderly couple, Mohamed and Jamilla Munir, who were burned to death in their Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo home, on the suspicion that he has knowledge of the crime.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed to Stabroek News yesterday afternoon that the handyman was arrested. Blanhum declined to divulge further details on the case.

Mohamed, 75, and his wife, Jamilla, 70, who were well known rice farmers, died on Sunday night after bandits broke into their home and later set it alight.

Residents had told Stabroek News that the bandits scaled the veranda and cut the grill before smashing their way into the couple’s home through a glass door. After they were unable to gain entry to the Munirs’ bedroom, where they had secured themselves, the bandits apparently poured gasoline and lit a fire in front of the couple’s bedroom.

Some residents had also said Mohamed had phoned them and told them that bandits had invaded his property.

There were also reports of the sounds of gunshots during the attack.