The town of Palma Soriano, located in Santiago de Cuba province, was recently shaken by a violent incident that left one person dead and another severely injured. Witnesses and locals are describing it as a suspected act of retaliation.
The deceased has been identified as Norge Hernández Matos, who suffered a fatal stab wound. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that Hernández Matos was initially treated at the Adult Emergency Ward in the municipality, where doctors attempted to stabilize him before transferring him to the Santiago de Cuba Provincial Hospital. However, according to allegations shared by Mayeta Labrada on Facebook, the hospital did not perform the surgery that might have saved his life, and he died without undergoing an operation.
As of this report, both the authorities and state-run media remain silent about the tragic event. Another individual involved in the same incident sustained a severe hand injury, reportedly resulting in the loss of several fingers. While the exact details of the incident remain under investigation, testimonies collected by Mayeta Labrada suggest it may have been a revenge attack.
Escalating Violence in Santiago de Cuba
This incident is part of a growing wave of violence affecting Santiago de Cuba, where stabbings and public assaults have become alarmingly common. In recent days alone, at least three major incidents have been reported in the eastern province.
On August 9, a 32-year-old man armed with a knife stormed the Policlínico Sur in Palma Soriano, attacking a nurse, a security guard, and another person present. The nurse suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest and required emergency surgery at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital. Although official reports claimed the assailant was apprehended by police, witnesses stated that bystanders subdued and restrained him before law enforcement arrived.
Less than 24 hours later, Santiago de Cuba witnessed two more stabbing attacks. The first occurred on Avenida 40 in the Nuevo Vista Alegre neighborhood, where Yudel Vegue Kindelán was stabbed twice, including once in the neck, and remains in critical condition. The second attack took place the following night during a summer party on the rural road between Palma and El Cobre, where Deniel Veranes, a father of two young children, was fatally stabbed in the heart during an argument.
Residents of Santiago de Cuba are voicing concerns on social media about a troubling pattern: public events and parties lacking police presence, excessive alcohol consumption, drug proliferation, and the absence of effective preventive measures.
Community's Call for Action
While investigations continue, the people of Palma Soriano and Santiago de Cuba live in fear, demanding concrete actions to curb the violence that many say has become a part of daily life on the island.
Understanding the Violence in Santiago de Cuba
What recent violent incidents have occurred in Santiago de Cuba?
Recent incidents include a stabbing in a polyclinic where a nurse was attacked, and multiple other stabbings in public areas, highlighting a trend of increasing violence.
How are local residents reacting to the violence?
Residents are expressing their concerns on social media, pointing out the lack of police presence and effective preventive measures during public events.
What actions are being demanded by the community?
The community is calling for concrete actions to address the escalating violence, including increased security measures and effective law enforcement interventions.