Female residents of Denham Town and Tivoli Gardens in west Kingston say they are being targeted by rapists from the communities, who are using glue to 'silence' their victims while carrying out the vicious acts.

During a recent visit to the communities, THE STAR spoke with a number of women who claimed to have either heard of such incidents or know victims who have fallen prey to the hands of the rapists.

"Di man dem a rape woman hard down yah since recent ... . Mi neva know west Kingston would a come to this," one woman, who strongly requested anonymity, said.

THE STAR was told of at least five incidents, said to have occurred in the communities over the last month, in which the victims mouths were said to be sealed tight with instant bonding glue, making it impossible for them to alert anyone who could have come to their rescue.

Among the tales being told is one in which a 14-year-old was gang-raped by a group of at least 10 men.

a wicked act

The teen was said to have been at home alone about three weeks ago and invited one of her male friends inside. The friend is alleged to have then planned with other men to rape the teen.

"Yes, a so dem a do it now, dem gang di girl and glue up har mouth and then rape har. Is a wicked act, quite a few girls dem do so," another female resident said.

Efforts to speak with any of the victims were unsuccessful as they are said to have fled their homes after the incidents.

Police sources from the Kingston West Division confirmed hearing of a number of such incidents, but added that formal reports have not been submitted and as such investigations are being stalled.

In a recent interview with THE STAR, top cop for the division, Deputy Superintendent Arthur Brown, said he was aware of a number of complaints being put forward by residents. He, however, urged them to come forward and make reports so investigations can be done.

"What we have is a case where we are hearing a lot of things, but the people aren't coming forward with information. We urge them to come forward and build on the good relationship we are now having, so we can attend to their concerns," DSP Brown said.

revenge

However, according to a number of residents to whom THE STAR spoke, the incidents are not being reported out of fear that the culprits may seek revenge on those who reported them to the police.

"Yu know how dem place ya run, plus dem done a seh di woman dem a inform suh a best we nuh seh nuttin and hope di police dem can find some other way fi help wi," said an elderly woman, who also claimed one of her relatives was raped some two weeks ago.

The residents attribute their new-found problem to the incursion of west Kingston by the security forces and the subsequent capture and extradition of former strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.