Departmental charges have been recommended against the two police constables who were placed under close arrest during the investigation into the murder of teacher, Kescia Branche, a statement from the Guyana Police Force said last night.
The cops, identified as Constables Fraser and August are expected to face four charges which include neglect of duty; consuming intoxicating liquor while on duty; improperly entering licensed premises, and acting in a manner likely to bring discredit to the reputation of the Force, the statement added.
The two on-duty constables were seen with Branche at the Blue Martini nightclub on Upper Lamaha Street in Newtown on November 4. After leaving the nightclub, the trio had ventured to a barbeque spot on Mandela Avenue. From there, one of the constables said she left with a taxi.
The two police constables and Branche’s ex-partner were deemed “persons of interest” in her death and were held for questioning before being released.
Last night, acting Crime Chief Paul Williams told Stabroek News that there were no new developments in the case. He noted that while persons are suggesting that the death of Norbert Lamazon, a guard, at Le Repentir Cemetery may be linked to Branche’s murder, it is not so. He explained that they have not established any links and his death is still being treated as an accident.
Police sources had told Stabroek News that Lamazon was questioned by the police during the initial stages of the investigation but his statement was not substantial since he could not have identified the vehicle that was involved among other things.
Earlier this month, Matthew Munroe, the owner of the car that is suspected to be linked to Branche’s murder was charged.
Munroe, 47, of Lot 1092, 16th Avenue, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, stood before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was read the charge which stated that he, on November 7, at Georgetown murdered Branche. Munroe, who had left the country immediately after Branche’s death was taken into police custody after his return.
Branche, 22, a mother of one and a teacher at Richard Ishmael Secondary School, was found on November 5th along Cemetery Road, obliquely opposite the cemetery office, sometime around 5 am. She succumbed to her injuries on November 7th in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.
A post-mortem examination revealed that she died as a result of brain haemorrhaging and blunt trauma to the brain.
Williams had previously told this newspaper that samples were taken from the remains of Branche and the individuals who were detained for questioning and they will soon be sent overseas for DNA testing.
