‘A bandit’s bullet killed my boy’

“My family is in grief, we are all in tears,” cried Ali yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James. Nearby, his three daughters stood wiping tears from their eyes. “I have lost my only son and these three young ladies have lost their only brother. Hassan died by a bandit’s bullet, but he is with Allah now.” Last Friday at about 11.35, Hassan went to the barbershop for a haircut, right before he was to have partook of the Juma prayers.

Two men entered the barbershop with one whipping out a firearm and announcing a hold-up. The other bandit began relieving customers of valuables.

Off-duty Police Inspector Kenneth Morris, who was also waiting for a haircut, drew his licensed firearm and engaged the bandits.

During a shootout, one of the bandits was killed while Hassan and Insp Morris were both shot. They were taken to hospital where Hassan died on Monday evening surrounded by loved ones while the officer is recovering.

“My brother, an Angel, is with God now,” said one of the women. “God knows best. He brought him into this life and He took Hassan back.”