Night of drinking in backdam ends in tragedy for gold miner

Police are investigating the alleged murder of a 38-year-old gold miner in the interior mining district of Puruni River, Region Seven, authorities said on Friday.

The victim, identified as Mark Benn of Linden, Region 10, was killed late on Thursday night at Big Mara Mara Backdam following a dispute at a shop, police said in a statement.

Investigators have arrested Dexter Agrian, 41, an excavator operator from Bartica, in connection with the incident. Agrian allegedly attacked Benn with a 13-inch knife, inflicting fatal wounds to his head and neck after an altercation involving two Venezuelan women at the shop.

The suspect later told officers: “Sir, I drink couple well Guinness and I can’t remember exactly what happened.” He remains in custody.

Police said the weapon was recovered and investigations are continuing.