Law enforcement officers have reported a significant breakthrough in apprehending a group of men allegedly involved in a series of burglaries and break-ins in a southern community.
At a recent media briefing, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Victorin provided an update on the crime statistics in the zone. He said that the Southern Division has experienced an increase in property theft over the past months.
Investigators implemented a “joint and coordinated, intelligence-driven approach” to tackle these issues.
Victorin revealed that after extensive investigations, a group of men, referred to as a “gang of bandits,” has been apprehended for several offenses. He stated that these individuals “have been terrorizing the community” with their relentless spree of burglaries and thefts.
Criminal charges have been filed against Dantes Mangal, Noel Modeste, and Silvanus Modeste. The police coordinated major localized sweeps targeting burglary rings and illicit possession throughout the Vieux Fort community.
The suspects face multiple counts of stealing, housebreaking, burglary, and handling stolen goods.
In an unrelated incident, ongoing investigations into last month’s deadly Anse Cochon boat collision have not yet clarified the circumstances surrounding separate charges brought against one of the survivors, Lester Jean.
Four people died, and 14 others were injured after the July 18 collision between the motor vessels Ocean Angel and Mango Tours, which occurred just before midnight near Anse Cochon.
Providing an update during Wednesday’s police press conference, Assistant Superintendent Reece Auguste, head of the Police Marine Unit, stated that investigators have made significant progress in gathering statements related to the collision.
“This investigation is well underway. We can report that it is about 90% complete in terms of statements being obtained,” Auguste said.
The findings may soon be presented to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further guidance. The collision has also become linked to another case involving Jean, who survived the incident.
Reports indicate that Jean allegedly swam to a nearby yacht following the collision and was subsequently charged with trespassing and grievous harm related to an encounter with a foreign national.
These charges have raised concerns and outrage among some members of the Soufrière community, who question how someone seeking help after surviving such a tragedy ended up facing criminal charges.