Jamaicans are reeling after another sexual assault incident has been brought to light, this time involving two young children in St Catherine. Two sisters from the Thetford community in Old Harbour were allegedly sexually assaulted by a 35-year-old man in the area.
The girls, ages 9 and 10, were reportedly raped last Wednesday, May 7, which marked Teacher’s Day, honouring teachers nationwide. Given the islandwide celebration of teachers, the children’s school dismissed classes earlier than usual.
According to initial reports, the two girls were taking a remote path home around midday when an unknown man approached them. The man reportedly threatened to kill them if they screamed and then forced them into nearby bushes and sexually assaulted them.
The mother of the girls spoke to a TVJ reporter regarding the traumatic experience her daughters endured. The distraught mother explained that the children’s father, who would usually take them to and from school, was unaware that the school was dismissing classes early, prompting the girls to walk home that day.
She said her daughters walked through a shortcut that they usually take, saw the man near the pigpen, and walked past him. However, he reportedly followed the children and stopped them with questions before grabbing them.
The mother expressed that she saw her daughters run inside the house, urging her to close the door. When asked what was wrong, her daughters informed them that they were raped by a man.
The mother told the reporter that she found out who the suspect was when she discovered his ID and bank card had fallen on the ground. The children’s aunt also said they were unfamiliar with the man, as he did not come from the area. The accused was allegedly brought to the community by a woman who met him online. Additionally, it is said that the man accused of raping the children was released from prison last year after serving time for a similar crime.
According to Radio Jamaica News, the little girls received medical care and counselling after the traumatic incident. The mother said that while her daughters can sleep at night, they are not eating well after the ordeal.
The incident is now being probed by the St Catherine South Police. Officials also urge those with information regarding any suspicious activity in the area to reach out to the police, per a report.
