Just weeks after a 45-year-old Chaguanas man was cleared of murder charges, he was shot dead during a robbery on Tuesday night. Cyril Saldenha, of Montrose, died on the spot after an off-duty police officer opened fire on him as he tried to rob KFC’s Point Lisas outlet. The failed robbery took place while police were carrying out heavy land and air patrols after the murder of their colleague, PC Clarence Abraham, hours before.
According to reports, Saldenha entered the restaurant, near the Point Lisas roundabout, shortly before midnight and ordered the cashier to hand over the night’s sales. While waiting, Saldenha was challenged by an off-duty Anti-Kidnapping Unit officer who was eating there. Saldenha reportedly instead turned his gun at the officer, who responded by firing several shots at him.
He was hit several times in the chest and died before police and an ambulance could arrive. His body was taken to the Forensic Science Centre, St James where an autopsy was to be done yesterday. Police said Saldenha, who had no fixed address, was released from prison last month after he was arrested for murder, kidnapping and other charges.
