The relatives of Kwasi Pegus are calling for more information regarding his killing by police.
Officers said Pegus, 24, was part of a group of men who fled an abandoned house on Mafeking Branch Trace, off Mafeking Road, Mayaro, on Wednesday afternoon.
Police claimed that Pegus shot at officers, who returned fire, killing him. A black and silver pistol believed to have been used by Pegus was found at the scene.
Speaking with Guardian Media at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, yesterday, Pegus’ relatives questioned the accuracy of the police report.
One relative, who asked not to be named, said Pegus, who is from La Romain, told the family that he and a relative were visiting a beach house in Mayaro.
Another relative said she spoke with one of Pegus’ friends who claimed he was unarmed when the shooting began.
“From what we heard he was standing in the yard, his friend told him to run, he said he wasn’t running because he didn’t have anything illegal on him.
“His friend ran and heard some shots.
“The people around said he was begging for his life,” said the relative who added, “I want to see justice for my nephew. I want the truth to come out exactly what it is happened because I doubt you’re a mad person to just walk up to someone and shoot them without asking.”
A police report stated the shooting occurred around 10 am, but relatives said Pegus remained unidentified late into Wednesday evening.
She noted relatives called Pegus on Tuesday to pick up a document that was delivered to their home.
At the time, Pegus said he was relaxing at the beach house.
“The next thing we know is the mother got a phone call at 2 o’clock yesterday that her son was killed,” the relative said.
One relative said they also called for answers on why the police visited the home where Pegus was shot.
She said initial information implied that the men were involved in an assault and robbery at a supermarket, but further information suggested the visit may have been part of enquiries into the discovery of a quantity of cocaine on a beach in Mayaro.
Contacted for comment, an officer in the Eastern Division said the officers were within their rights to defend themselves. He, however, sought to assure the family that all police-involved shootings were taken seriously and would be investigated by a senior police officer.
He said officers visited the area on Wednesday as part of “general enquiries” but could not confirm if the shooting was about the seizure of cocaine.
“It’s an ongoing enquiry at the moment.”