According to Police Commissioner, Mr. Floyd McDonald, the investigation found, among other things, that enough caution was not exercised by the Police ranks and some degree of recklessness accompanied their actions.

UG student Yohance Douglas, 18, died on the morning of March 1 when a Police mobile patrol intercepted the vehicle he and four other young men were travelling in and, according to the report by the investigative team, opened fire on the youths and "discharged a number of rounds in an indiscriminate manner which resulted in the death of one person and injuries to others".

On the day after the shooting tragedy, Mr. McDonald called a news conference at which he assured that a thorough investigation would have been undertaken into the incident and every effort made to conduct the probe in an expeditious manner without prejudicing it and ensuring the greatest objectivity.

Some of the findings have been made public, as promised, and according to the Commissioner, the probe report has been dispatched to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Chambers and the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority for "legal advice".

The next step awaits this legal advice but the authorities must be commended for carrying through on the promised investigation and allowing the law to take its course in this tragic case.

Understandably, Mr. McDonald advised reporters Tuesday that he could have divulged only "certain information" from the report since he would have to exercise some amount of caution with regards the nature of the contents of the document due to professional and ethical reasons.

According to him, he did not want to do anything that would be inconsistent with the rule of law or inconsistent with normal procedures in matters of this nature.

He, however, reported:
** the investigating team found this incident to be very unfortunate, regrettable and sad.
** There was no evidence that the five youths were engaged in any illegal activities on that fateful day (March 1, 2003).
** There is no evidence that any of the aforementioned youths were armed with any lethal or offensive weapon.
** There is no evidence that any of the five youths were wearing or in possession of any wigs.
** From all appearances these young men were going about their business in a lawful manner even though the car they were driving in was taken without the permission of the owner and that the driver was the holder of only a provisional licence, according to one of the relatives.

"The investigation has found, among other things, that enough caution was not exercised by the Police ranks and some degree of recklessness accompanied their actions," Mr. McDonald reported.

Appealing to persons to "exercise caution and to be considerate", he indicated that based on the findings by the investigative team, the wanton shooting was unjustifiable, and the ranks are therefore culpable for their actions.

The Police have completed their probe and submitted the findings to the relevant departments for a recommended course of further action.