NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe. Photo: Dante Carrer
Minister dismisses worries after suspect’s shot dead in Fox Hill
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said he doesn’t believe people who may be questioned as part of a Royal Bahamas Police Force corruption probe should fear for their lives despite several coincidences that have unsettled the public.
“Many, many people, I’m understanding, have already been questioned,” he said. Asked if anyone should be fearful, he said: “I wouldn’t think so.”
His comment came as police investigate matters surrounding voice notes that purport to capture a quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a senior police officer, a lawyer, and two murdered men, Michael Fox Jr and Dino Smith.
The conversation relates to a $1.5m bank heist at the airport in November. Fox Jr and Smith, suspects in that robbery, were never charged. Before they were killed, they reportedly informed their parents about the existence and importance of the voice notes.
Shortly after Sylvens Metayer, a US resident who identifies as a whistleblower, seemingly released the voice notes, he was shot during a Facebook Live session, which he survived.
Two men, Oral Roberts, 34, and Akeil Holmes, 26, were charged in connection with the November robbery. However, Roberts was killed last week. His mother, Mizpah Roberts, claimed he was killed a week after meeting officers probing the corruption claims, and she tied his death to that situation.
Mr Munroe implied yesterday that no connection between the voice notes probe and Roberts’ death has been established. He suggested people interested in the stolen money could have killed Roberts.
“He was involved in the robbery, and he is the third person who was involved in the robbery who has been killed, and the money hasn’t been recovered, and some people may be interested in $1.4m,” he said.
Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said on Wednesday that the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) will assist in the investigation.
Mr Munroe said he believes the investigation, led by the Security and Intelligence Branch, will be “fair and thorough”. He said foreign oversight is intended to provide public assurance as a “second eye.”
“I don’t expect them to be on the ground walking around,” he said. “I expect them to review what is done, see if they have any suggestions because two heads are better than one. The Royal Bahamas Police Force’s SID will be handling the investigation, while these external professionals will audit the process.”
“Once this is complete, I will request a report for the Police Complaints Inspectorate to review, which may provide me with an opinion or advice under the Police Force Act."
Comments
Sickened 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I now realize that he is really speaking to senior police and office and he's absolutely correct, nobody should be fearful. This is the Bahamas, nobody is held to account.
rosiepi 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Munroe, police officials and this media have been very circumspect in their information to the public -and of course to the RBPF and the criminal element that is the driving force behind their ongoing corrupt partnership.
The man murdered last week was out on a $250,000 bond as is the other 'suspect' Akeil Holmes, both monitored by bracelets and therefore sitting ducks...
Mr Monroe, attempting to steer opinion would have us believe that these murders and skullduggery are all about the whereabouts of the money stolen, but these two fellers are walking about bonded for $1/2 M. Money doesn't seem to be an issue-at least not for these drug gangs; no this all comes under business as usual by the RBPF- blocking all trails leading back to their own criminal enterprise.
And we will not be reading any enlightening statements here next week or thereafter from any UK investigators. They're seconded to the RBPF and "such would be detrimental to the ongoing investigation" What a farce!!
TalRussell 4 months, 2 weeks ago
And, -- Before this investigation is completed. --- Could there be an unspoken VoiceNote merchandising deal in the making with one of our fast food joints. -- Tourism is always on the hunt for a good fit. -- Yes?
DWW 4 months, 2 weeks ago
and there will be zero public disclosure in accordance with standard closed door silo mentality Bahamas. the public do not deserve to be kept abreast of anything to govt does, go sit small because you are not within the tight circle of wagons of elite in-the-knows. am I right?
TalRussell 4 months, 2 weeks ago
@ComradeDWW. -- And, King's Counsel Lawyers', curiously, more so much, -- Practitioners' closed door silo mentality -- Yes?
ExposedU2C 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Word on the street has it that Stumpy Davis has been advised to keep a low profile and get a tight lid put on this entire matter asap if he values his own well-being. Gangsterism and killer goon squads are prone to being cultivated within law enforcement departments whenever corrupt senior government officials set a criminal tone from the top......it's just a natural by-product of thuggery run amok within corrupt governments. Lest we forget, there are numerous violent criminal gang leaders in Haiti today who were at one time law enforcement officers.
John 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Several questions need answers (1) was any suspects ever arrested and charged in the ‘attempted assassination’ of the whistleblower in Florida? ( 2) what exactly is the scope of the investigation into the voice notes. Will there be a general probe into corruption on the police force, especially as it leads to possible murder (33) what about persons who are accused of being involved in corruption and criminal behavior that can lead to murders? (4) Persons who were incarcerated claim they had murder and other criminal charges while they were in prison. What corruption follows this? As persons also claim they had false charges . Then according to family members they were given bail, outfitted with ankle monitors and murdered shortly after being released from jail
TalRussell 4 months, 2 weeks ago
@Comrade John, -- Shouldn't judges rethink. -- After a much higher rate of Deadly Side Effects -- Befall those -- Hooked up Ankle Monitoring Devices. -- Yes?
Sickened 4 months, 2 weeks ago
A sensible, god fearing judge certainly would. Unfortunately, some of our judges are just as corrupt as our politicians. When asked about the issue, the bad judges will respond saying that ankle monitoring is under the control of the police. A good judge would say that it seems to be an issue and if it continues then we certainly have to look at other types of punishment and remand.
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