Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has called for Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Deputy Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh, to be placed on administrative leave while allegations of sexual assault against him are investigated.
Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, Walrond confirmed that the complainant, who worked at SOCU, had given a statement and that Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken had informed her that an investigative team had been established.
Shortly after her remarks, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a statement on Friday confirming that it had received a report containing allegations of rape and threatening behaviour against a senior officer.
Walrond expressed a firm view that Karimbaksh should be sent on administrative leave pending the investigation. However, she did not announce that such a decision had been made.
Asked who had the authority to place him on leave, the Minister said the Police Service Commission should ultimately handle that decision, but noted that the body was not currently constituted.
“It’s a discussion we need to have with the commissioner and myself as to how we address that,” she said.
Walrond also confirmed that the complainant had been transferred from SOCU at her own request. She stressed that the woman had not been forcibly removed, explaining that the transfer took her out of a working situation in which she might feel uncomfortable.
On the investigation, the Minister said the team would obtain statements from relevant persons and Karimbaksh before holding what she described as a formal confrontation.
“I’m informed from the commissioner that a team has been set up to deal with this investigation,” Walrond said.
In its subsequent statement, the Police Force said Hicken established the team after receiving the report and pledged that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated.
“The Guyana Police Force wishes to assure the public that the allegations are being treated with the seriousness they warrant and that the investigation will be conducted professionally, impartially and in accordance with established procedures,” the statement said.
The Force also committed to a fair investigative process and due process for everyone involved.
