Gunshots Ring Out in River Walk Burglary Horror
Just after 1am on September 5, 2019, River Walk residents were shaken by the sound of gunfire. A burglary targeting a cannabis farm turned ugly, with a large stash of class B drugs found abandoned at the scene and in a nearby vehicle left in Riverside Park.
Four Men Plead Guilty to Armed Burglary
- Robert Johnston, 25, of Tennyson Avenue
- Fardeen Hamidy, 26, of Bursledon Road
- Christy Flaherty, 27, of Malmesbury Road, southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton
- Ken Mulangala, 18, of East Street, Barking, Essex
All admitted guilt to conspiracy to commit burglary and possession of a shotgun with intent at Southampton Crown Court on October 27. They are due to be sentenced on November 24.
Burglary Gone Wrong: Deadly Aftermath
The quartet planned to raid a house functioning as a cannabis factory. Their goal was to steal the drugs for profit. During the botched burglary, gunshots rang out, terrifying residents. The group abandoned the raid, leaving bags of cannabis scattered in River Walk and Riverside Park.
A jeep parked in Riverside Park was also loaded with cannabis. After the suspects fled, officers found 20-year-old Sol Hemy’s body in the park’s water. A post-mortem confirmed drowning as the cause of death.
Community Left Reeling by Violence and Loss
“It is tragic that a young man lost his life as a result of this incident. It highlights the violence and harm linked to drug supply,” said police. “On September 5, these men risked the safety of the entire community for their own gain. River Walk residents must have been terrified hearing gunshots in the middle of the night.”
This case shines a harsh light on the dangers that come with the illegal drug trade and the devastating consequences when things go wrong.
