A brutal assault transpired this Sunday in the José Martí District of Santiago de Cuba, leaving two individuals injured by bladed weapons and a "substantial" amount of money stolen, as reported by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada. The victims were lured by the perpetrators through Facebook, under the guise of selling approximately 1,300 euros. The supposed transaction devolved into an ambush where the buyers were attacked and stripped of currency, jewelry, and personal belongings.
One of the victims sustained minor injuries, while another suffered a stab wound near the rib area, with their health status yet to be officially confirmed. Mayeta Labrada revealed that one of the attackers, identified as Yurisaner Arias Rivaio, commonly known as "Malvino," was initially captured and transported in a horse-drawn cart towards the police. However, a group of accomplices armed with machetes, sticks, and knives forcibly rescued him, halting the cart to facilitate his escape.
Authorities are also searching for individuals including Osniel, son of Yoel "el Kende," a person known as "Bemba," and Livan Jesús, dubbed "the Robin Hood of the Assailants," accused of snatching a chain from one of the victims amid the chaos. Additionally, a young woman has been identified as an accomplice for luring the buyers through phone calls.
Rising Fear Among Residents
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight at apartment 3 of the J-53 zone in the José Martí District, has alarmed local residents, who claim to live in increasing fear due to the rise in organized crime within the city. "What happened shows that there's no longer safety even in our own homes," remarked a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. The community calls for greater police presence and fears that impunity will lead to further crimes.
This assault is not an isolated incident. Santiago de Cuba has become one of the provinces most affected by the escalating insecurity on the island.
The Surge of Violence in Santiago
In June, a 70-year-old farmer was tortured and killed in Quintoque to steal his belongings, a crime that shocked eastern Cuba. Months earlier, a student was severely injured at the Antonio Maceo Vocational School of Exact Sciences following a violent encounter within the educational institution. More recently, residents have reported that gangs of armed minors are committing muggings and thefts on Santiago's streets without effective solutions from authorities.
The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory warned that in 2024, more than two crimes were reported daily across the nation, with a rise exceeding 50% compared to the previous year. Santiago, along with Matanzas, Havana, and Holguín, tops the list of the most affected provinces.
Understanding Crime in Santiago de Cuba
What led to the recent rise in crime in Santiago de Cuba?
The increase in crime in Santiago de Cuba is attributed to a combination of economic hardship, lack of effective law enforcement, and organized criminal activities gaining momentum across the island.
Who are the main suspects in the recent assault case?
The main suspects include Yurisaner Arias Rivaio, aka "Malvino," Osniel, son of Yoel "el Kende," a person known as "Bemba," and Livan Jesús, known as "the Robin Hood of the Assailants."
What measures are residents demanding to curb crime?
Residents are demanding increased police presence and more stringent enforcement of laws to combat the rising wave of crime and restore safety in their communities.