“Above the Law?”: MP Sherod Duncan Demands Probe into Alleged SOCU Traffic Stop Intervention
By: Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Opposition Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan is calling for an immediate investigation into reports that a high-ranking police official intervened to “short-circuit” a routine traffic stop involving a woman reportedly attached to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Duncan warns that the incident, if left unaddressed, would send a demoralizing message to frontline officers and severely erode public confidence in the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
The allegations center on Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of SOCU, Fizal Karimbaksh, whom Duncan claims bypassed standard operating procedures to secure the release of a subordinate.
The Incident: Tinted Windows and No License
According to the Opposition MP, the confrontation occurred during a routine anti-crime traffic operation. Ranks on the ground reportedly flagged a vehicle for multiple visible violations.
- Traffic Violations: The vehicle in question allegedly featured heavily tinted windows and an obscured registration plate, both of which are illegal under current Guyanese traffic laws.
- Failure to Produce: When questioned by the patrol ranks, the female driver allegedly failed to produce a valid driver’s license.
- The “SOCU” Card: Duncan claims the driver identified herself as an SOCU employee. Following a phone call allegedly made to the senior officer, the ranks on the ground were reportedly instructed to release the woman and the vehicle without further processing or citations.
Undermining Command Discipline
For Duncan, the issue extends far beyond a single traffic infraction. He argues that such interventions create a “two-tiered” justice system in Guyana.
- Frontline Morale: Duncan noted that when senior officers intervene in lawful stops, it undermines the authority of junior ranks and weakens the effectiveness of frontline policing.
- Internal Influence: “This sends the dangerous message that some individuals can bypass the law through internal influence,” Duncan stated, questioning the legal basis for the reported intervention.
- Public Trust: The MP warned that the Guyanese public is watching closely to see if law enforcement officers are held to the same standards as the citizens they serve.
Demands for Accountability
The Opposition is now demanding formal clarification from both the Guyana Police Force leadership and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- The Call for a Probe: Duncan is calling for an internal review to determine if Deputy Commissioner Karimbaksh abused his authority.
- The Legal Basis: He is challenging the GPF to explain under what provision a senior officer can order the release of a driver who has failed to produce a license and is in breach of traffic regulations.
- Credibility at Stake: Duncan maintains that the credibility and integrity of the country’s law enforcement system are at stake, particularly as the force undergoes a multi-billion-dollar modernization program funded by taxpayers.
A Question of Integrity
As of this report, the Guyana Police Force has not issued a formal rebuttal or statement regarding the specific allegations made by MP Duncan. The incident has sparked a wider conversation on social media regarding “VIP culture” within the security forces. For Duncan, the resolution of this matter will serve as a litmus test for the GPF’s commitment to its motto of “Service and Protection”—and whether that protection extends to everyone, or just a chosen few.
