Venezuelan suspect on the run for allegedly killing Guyanese man during scuffle

Kwakwani Secondary School in Pathville, Upper Berbice River, was destroyed by fire around 03:40 hrs on Sunday, 24th August 2025. The blaze of unknown origin quickly engulfed the one-storey building despite efforts by police and auxiliary fire staff. A security guard on duty reported first seeing smoke from the Headmistress’s office. Investigations are ongoing.

Police are investigating the alleged murder of 30-year-old Toralpher Simon Harry, a porter with Guyana Water Inc., who was fatally stabbed during a street altercation early on Sunday in Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

Harry, a resident of Best Village, collapsed after sustaining a stab wound to the neck during a scuffle with a man described as a Venezuelan national, police said. The suspect fled the scene in a minibus and has not yet been apprehended.

According to Harry’s friend, Naipaul Sukhdeo, the two men had stopped to buy food at a hot dog stall at around 2:30 a.m. after attending a car and bike show at Leonora National Stadium. Harry became involved in an argument with the suspect, which escalated into a fight.

During the scuffle, the Venezuelan man brandished a knife. Harry attempted to defend himself with his belt but was stabbed and collapsed on the northern side of the roadway, bleeding heavily, witnesses said. He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police said a knife without a handle, suspected to be the weapon used, and a brown belt were recovered from the scene. CCTV cameras in the area are being reviewed.

Harry’s body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.