A video captured the tense moments this Wednesday when a man known as "Timba" was arrested in El Polvorín, Santiago de Cuba, as the suspected perpetrator of the rape of a teenager. The footage, shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta, though low quality and recorded from a distance, clearly showed the rapid assembly of neighbors in the area just before the suspect was taken into custody.
"I had no idea so many people lived in El Polvorín," remarked the person recording the video, referring to the swift gathering of the crowd. Although the video does not clearly show it, it seems some of the bystanders managed to hit the suspect while he was being escorted to the patrol car.
"Look, they're hitting him, they're hitting him," can be heard in the footage, prompting the police to fire shots into the air to disperse the crowd and prevent a potential lynching. The gunfire caused many frightened people to flee in various directions.
After the first patrol car, which presumably carried the alleged rapist, passed through, several officers rushed to board a second vehicle that sped away from the scene.
Earlier, Yosmany Mayeta reported that a teenage girl, aged between 14 and 15, was hospitalized after being sexually assaulted on Tuesday night. The minor was allegedly raped by "Timba"—whose real name has not been disclosed—while she attended a street party in the Artes y Oficios district.
According to previous reports, the alleged assailant was on leave from prison, where he is serving a sentence for rape. This is not the first time residents of Santiago de Cuba have attempted to take justice into their own hands in a rape case.
In February 2020, Santiago de Cuba residents clashed with the police, throwing stones in an attempt to lynch the rapist of an eight-year-old girl. In that incident, the suspect was beaten and had objects thrown at his face while being shielded by several police officers, who also fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd.
Details on the Alleged Sexual Assault Incident in Santiago de Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent events in Santiago de Cuba and the actions taken by the police.
Who is the alleged perpetrator in this case?
The alleged perpetrator is a man known as "Timba," whose real name has not been disclosed.
What triggered the crowd's reaction?
The crowd's reaction was triggered by the arrest of "Timba," the suspected rapist of a teenage girl in El Polvorín, Santiago de Cuba.
How did the police manage to control the situation?
The police fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd and prevent a potential lynching of the suspect.
Has this type of incident happened before in Santiago de Cuba?
Yes, a similar incident occurred in February 2020, when residents attempted to lynch the rapist of an eight-year-old girl.