AN upsurge in gang violence in Soufriere is meeting with swift response from the police, who have warned that there will be no let up in a new initiative to bring the matter under control.
Residents of Soufriere were complaining earlier in the week about gang warfare in the town that had caused widespread fear among the people.
The latest bout of gang violence began early Sunday about 2:00 a.m. when officers attached to the Soufriere Police station responded to a report of gunshots and throwing of missiles in “the Gulf”, an alleged gang area on Bridge Street, Soufriere.
During the police response, police vehicle registration number SLG 2064 received damages from a stone thrown, as individuals fled the scene. This incident arose from an apparent dispute between rival gangs.
The battleground shifted to Market Road on Tuesday afternoon when another dispute involving rival gangs resulted in one French national sustaining a minor injury to the forehead, when a stone was thrown through a restaurant where that person was having lunch. The French national was escorted to the Soufriere Hospital, treated and discharged.
Ninety minutes afterwards a massive police operation went into action conducted by Officer in Charge of the Southern Division, Superintendent Augustin Sampson. The operation included officers attached to the southern departments of the Special Services Unit, Criminal Investigations Department, Marine Unit and officers attached to the Choiseul, Soufriere and Vieux Fort police stations.
As a result of the operation, one 9 mm pistol with two rounds of ammunition, one black and orange flare gun with a spent shell and two homemade shotguns were recovered.
Police said yesterday three individuals were presently in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations. According to Sampson, there will be no abating of efforts on the part of the Southern Police to crack down on gang related activity.
The situation is out of control, gang idiots destroying the town’s reputation.
I don’t feel safe, my kids can’t go outside. These “niggers” running amuck have to be brought under control. The police need to shoot dead a few of dem. Tourists will soon stop coming into the danger zone. We all going to suffer.