located in the Brokopondo District last Friday afternoon. These incidents claimed the life of a 26-year-old man and left property of the mining company vandalized. The preliminary police investigation indicated that the situation escalated after the Task Force and the company's security team had evicted about 20 illegal gold miners from the premises. Several hours later the commander who was on duty was informed that a gold miner had sustained injuries in the mine. When a police unit arrived on the scene a group of armed men turned against them and started pelting stones at them and making threats while holding what looked like guns. The group of armed men claimed that their colleague sustained injuries as a result of the actions of the police. Due to the growing aggression the officers of the Task Force retreated and asked for reinforcements from the police force and the National Army. At night the group of illegal miners grew larger and it was estimated that there were 600 to 700 who proceeded to destroy company property on large scale. 3 to 4 excavators, a Ford Ranger and 2 security posts were set on fire. The Task Force managed to secure the other equipment despite the tense situation and reports that the trespassers had placed dynamite at work locations. The exact reason and events that led to the death of 26-year-old S.A. are still unclear but the police are trying to piece together what happened last Friday. Police officials indicated that things were under control the next day and that the Task Force has set up camp at the mine while carrying out surveillance on the roads that lead to the mine to prevent outsiders from putting up barricades. The Mobile Unit which is a special police unit is currently on standby and will be deployed in case it receives a call for assistance. The Police Force Suriname (KPS) made it clear that firm action will be taken against anyone who disturbs the peace and starts vandalizing private property.