Police are continuing their probe into the robbery/murder of Zulfikar Namdar, also called “Vicky”, 27, who was gunned down on Tuesday evening at his home in Meter- Meer-Zorg.
Over the years, the members of the Namdar family have become well known for their deep and humble devotion to Islam and for making many charitable contributions to various communities on the West Coast and West Bank Demerara.
The young businessman was shot to his neck and chest. This was disclosed by 17- year-old Stephen Mohamed, the shop assistant who was also shot in his upper left leg.
He recounted that after the bandits attacked, the businessman had some money in his hands, as he was serving customers at the time.
Immediately after invading the property, one of the gunmen began inquiring about the victim’s father. One of the bandits then discharged a round, hitting the young man to his neck, but not satisfied, he discharged a few more rounds, with one hitting Mohamed to his leg.
The other bandits who were keeping watch on the road, reportedly entered the shop and collected the money that was in the businessman’s pockets. He had just returned from Georgetown.
Gulzar Namdar, the father of the dead man, said that from the way the men operated during the five-minute ordeal, it seems their action was well planned.
He recalled that he was about to pray when he heard gunshots ringing out, and soon after three of the six men confronted his wife and started to physically assault her.
Lie or die
He also stated that a few other people were forced to lie face down or die, as threatened by the gunmen. After the attack, he said he realised that his son was killed.
While the police arrived within minutes and searched the area for the perpetrators, they were not successful, but thought that they arrived and did their job.
In the light of this incident, he referred to the other killings and called on the home affairs minister and parliamentarians to budget for more money to boost the security sector since he believes that it has a great role to play in securing the nation.
He also noted that the time has come for the country to protect the future businessmen and women, noting that it could only happen with a well-equipped police force.
Region Three Chairman Julius Faerber, who was appalled by the attack, noted that it was only on Tuesday evening that he witnessed the opening of the Region Three House of Justice, where he met the commander and had a discussion on the security sector.
Deal with crime head-on
He said the commander highlighted a few strategies that are in place to battle crime, but upon reaching home, he received the dreaded news.
He admitted that there is an upsurge in crime in the region and renewed his call for the security sector to deal with the issue head-on.
The regional chairman stated that he is optimistic that the police force will carry out its duties diligently in apprehending the perpetrators for the heinous crime committed on the aggrieved families.
He also urged community members to be alert and be their brothers’ keepers.
After the robbery, the gunmen made good their escape on foot, as they discharged several rounds indiscriminately in the streets.
Zulfikar leaves to mourn his two children, ages five and three; his wife; and parents.
