Soldiers accused of rape dismissed

Four ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have been dismissed by following a Board of Inquiry (BOI) into allegations of rape levelled against them in February. Three of the ranks have been charged before the Court while one is awaiting due process from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Meanwhile, two other GDF officers are currently undergoing the disciplinary process. The ranks and officers were previously stationed at the Mabaruma, North West District but were pulled from the location as the investigation into the report of rape began.

“The BOI found that the ranks seriously breached operational orders while deployed on border duty and were therefore disciplined accordingly. Four of these ranks have since been dismissed and the disciplinary process is ongoing against the others,” an update from the GDF on Thursday stated.

It added: “Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has charged and placed before the court three of those ex-soldiers in relation to the rape allegation, while the fourth is awaiting due process from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.”

The GDF reminded the public that GDF ranks are bound by the value and standards of the force and therefore their conduct and professionalism are of paramount importance.

The GDF first confirmed that a police investigation into the incident was ongoing in February. In that statement, it said the soldiers were cooperating with the police and assured the public that it remains committed to the preservation of law and order.