Mob kills man suspected of attacking woman

Tensions flared in the Bermaddy community in St Catherine on Sunday after a man accused of attempting to rape a woman was fatally attacked by residents in an apparent mob killing.

According to police reports, the incident stemmed from an allegation made on Saturday. A woman was reportedly walking in the vicinity of Bermaddy Primary School when a man allegedly grabbed her from behind and covered her mouth. The woman was able to fight him off and ran through the area shouting "rape", alerting residents. The suspect reportedly fled the scene and lawmen, who arrived moments later, were unable to locate him at the time.

However, around 10:30 a.m. Sunday, the man was reportedly seen in the community where angry residents launched a violent attack using machetes, bats and other objects, leaving him with multiple chop wounds and blunt force injuries. The victim was later found laying on his back, dressed in blue shorts and a red-and-black shirt. He appeared to have sustained several chop wounds to the upper body and face, and a piece of blue tarpaulin was reportedly tied to his right foot. He was transported to the Linstead Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police have not yet identified the deceased.

As investigations continue, the police are urging Jamaicans not to participate in mob killings. Speaking with THE STAR, Senior Superintendent Hopton Nicholson of the St Catherine North Police Division, said mob killings as illegal and urged citizens to allow law enforcement to handle such matters.

"It is an illegal act and we really solicit the support of the general citizenry to ensure justice is served. Let the police and members of the security forces handle the reports. Do not take matters into your own hands," he said.

Nicholson noted that this is the first killing recorded in the Linstead area since the start of the year, and the first such mob killing since he was assigned to the division.

"Two wrongs do not make a right. Leave it to the justice system and the experts who are trained to deal with these matters," he added. He stressed that mob violence does not deliver justice or closure.

"It will not solve the problem or bring the necessary closure that is required," he said.

He further stated that a full investigation is under way and that the police will be using all available resources to identify those involved.

"Wherever the evidence leads, it will lead. We will be using all available means to identify perpetrators, and they will be brought to justice once sufficient evidence is gathered," he said.