Latest update September 6th, 2026 10:00 AM
Two men arrested following attempted ballot box heist
… after receiving thrashing from Tucville residents
E-day was marred when violence erupted outside the Tucville snackete polling station, South Ruimveldt, after two men were accosted by residents of Tucville and given a sound thrashing, for trying to uplift the ballot boxes.
The incident, which occurred shortly after noon, escalated even further when the police made efforts to rescue the men from the hands of the residents, who in their efforts to pummel the men further, smashed the police vehicle’s back window.
According to reports, the men had been making the rounds earlier in the day, at several polling stations throughout the South Ruimveldt district, making attempts to uplift the respective ballot boxes.
It is alleged that at the North Ruimveldt health centre, one of the would be ‘ballot box thieves’ was forced to flee after being confronted by a resident waiting to vote. They then made their way to the Tucville snackette, where their luck finally ran out.
When Kaieteur news arrived on the scene, the still agitated residents were assembled outside. According to them, the men were brought to the polling station in a car and one of the men exited and entered the polling station, and reportedly made demands for the ballot box.
When residents heard what was playing out in the station, the mob got hold of one of the men and dealt him several blows.
Kaieteur News understands that the man sought refuge in a nearby yard and was eventually escorted out by police. Even then, residents intent on defending the voting process continued their assaults, shattering the window of the police pickup in the process, as the suspect was taken away. His accomplice was also taken into custody.
Presidential candidate of the Independent Party (IP), Mark Benschop was at the scene immediately after the men were taken away. He applauded the residents for their vigilance in ensuring that the men were taken into custody.
A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change’s (APNU+AFC) Raphael Trotman also condemned the incident. He said that the names of known People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) operatives and candidates had been communicated to him in connection with the matter. He declined to name them.
Though he described the beating of the suspects as unfortunate, he however expressed his satisfaction at the vigilance of the community.
He also expressed thanks to the police for their speedy response which prevented loss of life.
The men are in police custody.
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.