Two cops under close arrest

Mar 27, 2026 News

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…as family mobilises legal team in custody death probe

(Kaieteur News) – Two members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are now under close arrest as investigators probe the controversial death of Otis Jordan while his family, backed by opposition lawyers, is moving swiftly to pursue justice.

The arrests, confirmed on Thursday, come as the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) intensifies its investigation into Payne’s death in custody at the Cove and John Police Station. At the same time, a legal team assembled with support from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has stepped in, signalling that the case is heading toward a potential legal showdown.

Payne, a father from South Haslington on the East Coast of Demerara, was found unconscious at the station on Tuesday and was subsequently pronounced dead upon arrival at the Enmore Regional Hospital. According to a statement from the police on Thursday, “an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the matter.” The police also stated that several ranks and civilian witnesses were interviewed, with their statements leading to the arrest of two officers. The GPF emphasised that they are treating the matter with utmost seriousness, assuring the public that all necessary procedures are being followed in the ongoing investigation. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for today to ascertain the cause of death.

Meanwhile, the tragic event has sent shockwaves throughout the community and the nation. Jordan’s mother, Amanda Kato, is devastated by her son’s sudden death and is now demanding answers. One of the most troubling aspects of the case is the fact that Kato was not informed of her son’s death until she went to visit him in custody on the morning of his scheduled court appearance. This delay in informing the family has raised serious concerns and questions.

Kato, struggling to cope with the loss, has assembled a legal team to assist her in seeking justice for her son. The legal team, dispatched by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), includes attorneys-at-law and Members of Parliament (MPs) Dr. Dexter Todd and Mr. Ronald Daniels. In a press release, the APNU stated, “The PNCR/APNU took decisive action by dispatching a legal team to engage the Payne family and closely examine the troubling circumstances surrounding the death of 30-year-old Jordan Payne.”

The lawyers along with the coalition representatives, Robin Simon and Delon Carter, met with Acting Commander Senior Superintendent Dennis Stephens. The delegation was informed that the Commissioner of Police has assigned Superintendent Blair, Head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, to lead the investigation.

“This is a moment that calls for transparency, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. We will continue to stand with the Payne family and ensure that no stone is left unturned,” the APNU said in a statement.

Mother’s Heartfelt Plea for Justice

Amanda Kato, visibly distraught, has vowed to seek justice for her son, and will not rest until she receives answers. Holding back tears, she spoke to Kaieteur News on Thursday, expressing the profound pain she is enduring. “This thing just keeping to my head to know that my son left and go in the vehicle as a healthy man and to know my son get such a cruel death.  I want to know who violate my son,” she said alleging that the police may be involved in his death.

Kato alleged that her son may have been assaulted while in custody. “My son was murdered. When I went to the mortuary and saw him, they turned him over, and I noticed marks of violence on his body—like he had been kicked with boots,” she claimed.

She added, “I am losing my mind; I can’t sleep. You know what it feels like to hear shocking news like this?” Kato, holding back tears, continued, “No one knows the pain I’m feeling right now. I just want justice for my son.”

Kato is now awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination, which will determine the cause of Payne’s death.  She disclosed that the findings will play a crucial role in guiding the next steps she will take with her attorneys.

The Payne family’s grief has sparked widespread outrage in the Haslington community. On Tuesday morning, residents gathered in protest, blocking the Public Road at Haslington, East Coast Demerara, demanding justice for the young man’s death. The protestors expressed their anger and frustration over what they believe is an attempt by the authorities to conceal the truth.

In a statement, the GPF acknowledged that Payne had been detained at the Cove and John Police Station in connection with a domestic violence matter. Police claimed that Payne had complained of feeling unwell and was escorted to the Enmore Regional Hospital for treatment. After being returned to the station, Payne allegedly complained again of feeling ill and collapsed. He was rushed back to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities have stated that no marks of violence were observed on Payne’s body, and his remains are currently at the mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Despite this official account, tensions have only escalated, with the Payne family and residents rejecting the police’s version of events.

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• Amanda Kato, close arrest, cops, Dexter Todd, Otis Payne

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