Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Waldron has said a formal confrontation would be held in relation to allegations of rape and threatening behaviour involving Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Head and Deputy Commissioner of Police Fazil Karimbaksh. She said this during an interview on Starting Point.
However, Guyana’s Sexual Offences Act generally prohibits requiring a complainant to recount an allegation in the accused person’s presence, unless the complainant chooses to do so, and limits in-person contact except in narrowly defined identification procedures.
According to the Sexual Offences Act, a confrontation is prohibited. Under Section 42 of the Act, once a report is made alleging an offence under the legislation, investigators cannot require the complainant to recount the complaint, or any portion of it, in the accused person’s presence unless the complainant personally wishes to do so.
The act further states that a complainant should not be required to view or be in the presence of a person identified in the complaint as the alleged perpetrator, except where an identification parade is necessary.
Even in that circumstance, the identification process must be conducted in a way that protects the complainant’s wellbeing. The Act allows for an identification parade through: an audio visual link, two way mirror and any other approach that is sensitive to the complainant’s wellbeing.
Walrond said she believes Special Organised Crime Unit Head and Deputy Commissioner of Police Fazil Karimbaksh should be sent on administrative leave.
The Home Affairs Minister added that an official investigation has commenced into allegations of rape and threatening behaviour against the Deputy Commissioner.
Walrond also said the female inspector was removed from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), and transferred to another location as requested.
The minister said the Police Service Commission (PSC) is responsible for sending Karimbaksh on administrative leave. However, up to press time, he had not been placed on leave and remained on duty.
The female inspector alleged that Karimbaksh had sexual intercourse with her without her consent and threatened to kill her if she ended their relationship. Her wider account also includes allegations of threatening conduct and the use of a firearm.
The Guyana Police Force has confirmed it is investigating allegations of rape and threatening behaviour involving a senior officer, following claims made by a serving female inspector.
