Crime
Defence Seeking Dismissal in Firearms Case citing evidence from DPP too slow to materialise
By Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, June 19, 2023 – Tuesday 13th June, 2023 a firearm and ammo case against TIMOTHY VILJOEN was before the court, listed for trial.
Magnetic Media was in court when Nayasha Hatmin, Public Prosecutor was warned by Her ladyship the Hon Judge Tanya Lobban-Jackson that if the disclosure material evidence, that Counsel for the Defense requested and was also directed by the Court to disclose, is not disclosed, this could result in the case being dismissed under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance.
Months prior to the trial date, Counsel for the defense Lara Maroof-Misick made an application to the court to have the DNA evidence and certain other evidence handed over to her, to enable her, to do her own examination and review of certain evidence pertaining to the firearm case against her client.
Up until the date of trial, which was last Tuesday, the Defense was not furnished with the requested disclosure as
directed by the Court and Counsel for the Defense advised the honorable Judge to please review the options of having the case dismissed. Maroof-Misick had proposed that if by the next date of hearing, she continues to be without the disclosure material requested months ago, then the matter warrants dismissal.
Maroof-Misick’s client is a mechanic and operator of luxury yacht “Provo Elite Charters.”
The yacht and the illegal firearm charges against TIMOTHY VILJOEN has brought strong criticism and raised questions about some prominent members of Turks and Caicos society.
Implicated have been a former member of parliament, a police commissioner and a King’s Counsel attorney in TCI for the Crown in the Special Investigation and Prosecution government corruption case. All have had some alleged involvement or investment or interest in the yacht in question.
This matter dates back to the summer of 2020.
Viljoen is currently out on bail since his initial arrest in 2020 and the trial is now fixed to commence in November of this year.
Timothy Viljoen is charged with having an illegal gun with rounds of ammunition, which carries a mandatory 7-year sentence.
CORRECTED: June 28, 2023
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Media Release
July 15th, 2024.
SHAIWANZO MISSICK of South Back Salina, Grand Turk, has been charged with six counts of firearm-related offences.
Missick, 30, was charged on July 13 after police officers consulted with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The offences against Missick are:
- One Count – Discharging Firearm
- One Count- Discharging Ammunition
- One Count-Possession of Firearm with intent to commit a serious offence
- Two Counts-Possession of Ammunition
- One Count –Possession of Firearm
- One Count-Possession of Controlled Drugs
- One Count- Possession of Controlled Drugs with intent to supply.
The charges against Missick came following a report made on Saturday, 29 June 2024, following a shooting incident in Breezy Brae.
Officers obtained a warrant and searched the accused’s residence based on the information received.
The RT&CIPF is asking the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app from the Google Play Store or Apple Apps and share information anonymously.
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