Black Bush rice farmer, wife lose $1.7M in bandit attack

Apr 24, 2014 News

In a case that has shocked the farming community of Black Bush Polder, armed bandits have left two residents badly injured following an attack Tuesday evening.
The rice farmer from Yakusari North, which is part of that East Berbice, Corentyne community, is believed to have been trailed from the bank where he reportedly withdrew over $1M.

The home of the Black Bush farmer.

Both Baijnauth ‘Baij’ Niwaz, 58, and his wife Kalawattie ‘Vedo’ Niwaz, are now in a private Berbice hospital where they were admitted.
According to police, at 19:00hrs, Niwaz, 58, and his wife Kalawattie Niwaz were in their home when two men, one of whom was armed with a firearm, entered through an open door.
They were held at gunpoint and the perpetrators took away a bag containing $1.7M and escaped.
The police found an improvised shotgun at the scene, as the investigations continue.
Neighbours said that the couple, who lived alone, had just returned from one of the banks.
Niwaz is said to be a prominent farmer who buys paddy from smaller farmers. He also has several acres and does his own planting.
Rice for the first crop is currently being harvested across the country.
Neighbours said that the bandits entered the home and started to assault the couple. The woman was chopped across the back while the farmer was struck several times across his head.
It is believed that the money was withdrawn to pay farmers.
Both were rushed to the hospital by neighbours who were alerted.
Residents yesterday called for an increased police presence.
The attack in that close knit community has left residents in shock.

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