SCUA discusses fatal robbery of Chinese entrepreneur with Monorath: police still seeking four suspects

During the meeting, the minister announced that one suspect had been arrested and that police were still searching for four other suspects, including a woman. Growing concerns about security and possible cooperation between the Chinese community and the police were also discussed.

The fatal robbery took place at around 9 a.m. on David Simonsstraat in Paramaribo-Noord. The victim was shot during the incident and died of his injuries. According to SCUA, the crime has caused considerable concern within the Chinese community, particularly because the robbery took place in broad daylight in a busy commercial area.

The association says it is deeply shocked and saddened by the violence and has expressed its condolences to the surviving relatives. SCUA is also concerned about the safety of business owners and citizens, especially in the final months of the year, when, according to the organisation, more robberies usually occur.

Police still searching for four suspects

During the consultations, Minister Monorath, according to SCUA, provided an explanation of the progress of the police investigation. At that time, one suspect had been arrested, while four other suspects were still being sought.

According to the minister, police had the names, physical descriptions and photographs of the fugitive suspects. A woman was also said to be among them.

Monorath also denied reports on social media claiming that three suspects had already been arrested. According to him, that information was incorrect. He called on the public to rely solely on official police statements and not to spread unconfirmed information.

The minister assured SCUA representatives that police would continue their efforts to trace and arrest the remaining suspects. Even if they may have fled to French Guiana, Guyana or another country, efforts will be made to bring them to justice, he said.

Government wants to free up more resources for security

The financial situation of the Ministry of Justice and Security was also discussed during the meeting. According to SCUA, Monorath acknowledged that the government faces serious financial constraints, putting the resources available for fighting crime under pressure.

According to the minister, the government has therefore decided to temporarily suspend certain less urgent projects and redirect part of the available resources to security measures.

At the same time, he stressed that combating crime is not solely the responsibility of the government and the police. According to him, business owners, civil society organisations and citizens should also make an active contribution to improving security.

The consultations included discussions on preventive security measures, the use of alarm systems and improved cooperation between shopkeepers and the police.

Chinese community wants to strengthen cooperation

SCUA chairman Liu Jianming indicated that the Chinese community is prepared to further expand cooperation with the police. The association wants to provide concrete support wherever possible in the prevention and fight against crime.

According to Liu, security is a shared responsibility of everyone living in Suriname, regardless of origin or nationality. He stressed the importance of cooperation between the government, business owners and civil society organisations.

Monorath reportedly also expressed his willingness during the meeting to consult with SCUA again at a later stage on concrete forms of cooperation and support.

Minister wants to meet surviving relatives

The minister also asked SCUA chairman Liu Jianming to convey his condolences to the victim’s family. According to the association, he also pledged to arrange a meeting with the surviving relatives once they have arrived in Suriname.

SCUA expressed appreciation for the minister’s willingness to discuss the security problems with the organisation. The association hopes that all suspects involved will be traced and prosecuted as soon as possible.

Those attending the consultations on behalf of SCUA were chairman Liu Jianming, chairwoman of the general assembly Yu Lihong, chairman of the Witte Lotus Cultureel Centrum Lin Dongmao and SCUA secretary Zhang Nancy. The latter also acted as interpreter.

The association emphasises that it will continue its efforts towards a safe society in which everyone, regardless of origin or nationality, can live, work and do business without fear.