Suspect in murder of La Grange granny recaptured in Suriname

Jankie Tapsie
Jankie Tapsie

The female suspect in the murder of La Grange grandmother, Bibi Nasmonisha Ramjit, who had escaped police custody minutes after being handed over by Surinamese law enforcement officers in November, 2020, has since been recaptured in Suriname.

Jankie Tapsie also known as ‘Samantha Khan’, 27, of Lot 180 Grassfield Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was arrested in neighbouring Suriname on Wednesday.

Stabroek News was told that the suspect was handed over to the Springlands Police Station this morning after which she was then handed over to a detective stationed in Region Three for questioning.

Ramjit, known as ‘Aunty Bibi’, a shop owner of Old Road, La Grange, was found bound and gagged on Sunday, 25 October, 2020 by neighbours.

An autopsy confirmed that the woman died as a result of strangulation.

Stabroek News was told that the elderly woman was advised by her children who reside overseas to stop operating the shop and she agreed to do so once all her goods were sold.

This publication reported in November, 2020, that Regional Commander of Region Three, Errol Watts had said that he learnt that the female along with a male suspect were sitting on a bench at the Springlands Police Station, Corentyne after being handed over.

However, the female suspect, who investigators believe is the mastermind of the murder, requested to use the washroom. With no female rank at the station, a male rank accompanied her and waited outside. However, while he was waiting, the suspect made good her escape.

A wanted bulletin was later issued for the female suspect.

Police have so far instituted charges against a juvenile suspect and the male suspect, Rishiram Singh, also known as ‘Shane,’ 34 of Lot 204 D’Andrade Street, Newtown, Kitty, who was apprehended with the female the first time.