43-year-old Sunil Marimootoo, of Lot 03 Portuguese Quarter, Port Mourant, Corentyne, appeared at the Whim Magistrates’ Court after being charged in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Pernand Pertab from Hampshire, Corentyne. Pertab was reportedly involved in a robbery at the Port Mourant Market two Saturdays ago.
Marimootoo appeared before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy and was not required to plead to the charge, which alleges that on October 26, he murdered Pertab. He was represented by attorney-at-law Latchmi Rahamat, who argued that her client acted in self-defense. Rahamat informed the court that she intends to petition the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) to review the charge, contending that a murder charge might not be correct.
According to Rahamat, Guyana’s constitution provides individuals the right to defend themselves and their property, emphasizing that self-defense can be a complete defense to such charges. She stated that her instructions were that her client had been attacked and took defensive actions. Rahamat further questioned whether the prosecution’s file was complete, noting that there were multiple witnesses to the incident who were reportedly not interviewed.
The case is scheduled to continue on November 29, with the accused being remanded.
Meanwhile, police have reported an alleged robbery committed on a 31-year-old businessman from Port Mourant. The incident, which occurred on October 26, 2024, at approximately 9:15 a.m. at the Port Mourant Market, reportedly involved Pertab, known as “Mikey,” and another individual.
Initial investigations indicate that the businessman, who operates a jewelry shop inside the market, had opened his business at about 7:30 a.m. that morning. Around 9:15 a.m., two individuals reportedly approached while the shop assistant was attending to customers. One of the assailants allegedly struck the assistant, causing injuries, while the other reportedly ordered them to lie on the ground before taking jewelry from display cases.
An alarm was raised, prompting market patrons to confront the assailants. According to reports, the confrontation resulted in injuries and the recovery of the stolen items, which were subsequently handed over to the police. All items taken during the incident were accounted for.
Pertab and an injured individual were later taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where Pertab received medical treatment but did not survive. The other individual was treated and later discharged.
