The security guard of a foreign currency store in the Bahía (Guiteras) district, east of Havana, was found dead on Tuesday, allegedly murdered while on duty, according to preliminary reports on digital platforms.
The victim, who was a security guard at the El Rocío store in the Habana del Este municipality, was 51 years old. His body was discovered in the morning, not inside the store but in a trash area, reported crime journalist Niover Licea on social media.
According to those who knew him, the deceased's name was Efrén, and he lived in the Regla municipality. In his initial report on the crime, Licea revealed chilling details. "He was dumped in a trash area and a machete was placed beside him. Apparently, he was severely beaten and possibly tortured," he described.
It is believed that "burglars entered the store, and unfortunately, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time" and "was assaulted," Licea stated.
Despite being found in the morning, the victim's body was not removed until around 2:00 PM, the reporter noted. "Family members and acquaintances are demanding justice," and an urgent investigation to determine what happened, emphasized Licea.
Rising Violence and Crime in Cuba
Licea also commented on the rise of violence, crimes, and thefts in the country, where the "population has been abandoned to their fate" by the authorities. "Cuba is no longer a safe place; that was yesterday's news," he declared, pointing to the neglect, inefficiency, and corruption of the police and other law enforcement agencies failing to ensure citizen safety.
A post in a Facebook group of El Rocío store customers also reported the brutal incident. According to one commenter, the man was killed with machete blows.
The security guard's body was laid to rest on Tuesday night at the funeral home in Regla, said a neighbor in the YouTube video comments. However, the wake was delayed due to the lack of a funeral car to transport the body, a common issue in Cuba and part of the country's funeral service crisis.
"It's very painful; his name was Efrén, he was my neighbor and well-loved by everyone here in Regla. What a great sadness. Last night, I was at the funeral home with all the neighbors and family, and at 11 PM, his body had still not arrived because there was no funeral car to transport him. We are all truly devastated," expressed a woman identified as Indara Reyes.
Another person claimed that a man suspected of committing the crime was arrested in Guanabacoa, but that information has not yet been confirmed.
Shocked by the crime, several Cubans have expressed their concern and fear over the growing insecurity in the country due to rising criminal activity.
"There is no peace anymore; what we are living through is very sad," lamented a young woman on Facebook. "What a terrible thing, the things that are happening. This way, no one can live; you can't even go to the clinic at night because it's so dark, the district is dark and very dangerous, what a horror," expressed another woman from Bahía.
Just a week ago, the murder of another security guard shook the city of Santiago de Cuba. Miguel, who was the guard at the notary office located on San Pedro Street, between San Basilio and Santa Lucía, was found dead with signs of violence indicating a homicide.
Understanding the Rising Crime Rates in Cuba
In light of the recent tragic events, many are questioning the safety and security in Cuba. Here are some frequently asked questions to shed light on the situation.
What led to the increase in crime rates in Cuba?
The increase in crime rates in Cuba is attributed to the negligence, inefficiency, and corruption of law enforcement agencies, along with the economic hardships and social instability faced by the population.
How are the authorities responding to these crimes?
The response from the authorities has been criticized as slow and ineffective, with many citizens feeling abandoned and unprotected.
What steps can be taken to improve safety in Cuba?
Improving safety in Cuba would require significant reforms in law enforcement, increased transparency, and better resource allocation to ensure the protection of citizens.