Latest update December 13th, 2024 1:00 AM
Miner bludgeoned to death by colleagues
Dead: Alan Welch
Police in the Interior have detained three persons following the beating to death of 54-year-old miner Alan Welch, at 14 Miles, Issano, around 06:30 hours on Tuesday.
The three suspects are all part of a mining operation with which Welch had been working when he was killed.
According to reports, Welch of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, was bludgeoned to death by fellow miners using tree limbs and other pieces of wood after they accused him of stealing raw gold.
However, relatives of the dead man are disputing the allegation claiming that it might have been Welch who blew the whistle on the stealing of raw gold at the camp, which is owned by his cousin.
Welch’s daughter, Nneka Welch, told this newspaper yesterday that her father, who has been working in the interior for the past three years, last left his home in April.
She said that family members learnt of his death from his cousin who runs the Issano operations, when he visited them late Tuesday afternoon.
According to Nneka Welch, from the time her father’s cousin enquired about her mother’s whereabouts, she immediately suspected that something had happened to her father.
“He asked me for my mother and I asked him what happen but he just asked for my mother’s cell number and said that he would call her and then he left. I kept asking what happened but he never told me,” the young woman said.
The family only confirmed the tragedy yesterday morning.
The dead man’s sister, Glysis Mingo, told this newspaper that she received a message that Welch was killed. She immediately contacted another sister who in turn contacted his wife.
“I heard that he was supposed to be on guard but he fell asleep. They beat him in his sleep. Because he knew them, they killed him. We don’t know why they had to beat him to death.
Even if they beat him, they could have just broken his hand and foot, at least we would have been satisfied,” Nneka Welch told this newspaper.
Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine confirmed that three persons have been detained.
He said that another suspect who was in the mining camp managed to flee the scene before the police arrived.
“Based on statements we have received so far, it seems that we have a very good case to lay charges,” Ramnarine said.
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