Corentyne businessman, two others remanded over ‘staged’ home invasion

The armed robbery charge states that the accused, while being armed with a gun, robbed Tejkumarie Jettoo, the wife of Krisendat Jettoo, of a quantity of gold and diamond jewellery, worth $1, 380, 000, US$19,000, equivalent to $3.8 million and $1,000,000, amounting to a total of $6,180,000.

Jettoo, a father of three, was also charged with conspiracy to commit a felony. He was not required to plead to the said charge. As the men stood in the docks of the court, disbelief was written across their faces. Their attorney, Krisendat Persaud, made an application for bail, while noting that it was the first court appearance for all of the men. He emphasised that they were not flight risks.

However, police inspector Godfrey Playter objected to bail on the grounds of the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence. He argued that if the court granted bail, it is likely that the accused would not return for the trial. He also stated that the virtual complainant (Jettoo’s wife) was severely beaten in the attack.

After bail was refused, the trio was remanded to prison until September 28th.

At the end of the hearing, family members of the accused converged in the courtyard and voiced their disapproval at bail not being granted.

The police had received a report on Sunday that a robbery had been committed around 3 am on the Jettoos’ house at Crabwood Creek by men armed with “long guns.”

However, acting on a tip off, police on Tuesday arrested a taxi driver, who told ranks about a plot hatched by the businessman. He detailed how the businessman approached him and outlined his plan which was to break into his home and terrorise him and his wife. The taxi driver who was not up to the task contacted a known criminal who resides at Rose Hall. They all met up subsequently where the plan was discussed in more detail.

The taxi man told detectives that the businessman handed over a detailed house plan, which showed the location of the 12 CCTV cameras in his home.

He also indicated that he wanted certain phrases recited during the attack to give it a more genuine appearance. The businessman promised the taxi driver $200, 000 once the task was complete.

He related how the businessman transported him and the others to the Crabwood Creek area and how they waited for hours before entering the house through a back window. Once inside, they began inflicting blows on the businessman whose wife ventured outside after hearing his screams.

They then turned on her and dealt her a severe beating, which has left her hospitalised.

As a result of the story told by the taxi driver, the businessman and another suspect were arrested.

This is the second major crime in Berbice in the last few weeks alleged to have been staged. It has spawned shock and surprise in the community. Several recent crimes in Georgetown have also come under similar suspicion.