A babalawo from Santiago, identified as Carlos César Vive (Carlitos), was killed in broad daylight in Havana in what has been described as a violent attack still shrouded in uncertainty.
The crime has shocked both the religious community and the residents of his hometown, Santiago de Cuba, from where he had traveled to the capital.
The incident was reported by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on Facebook, where he shared pixelated images of the young man collapsed on the street, who left a trail of blood after allegedly being stabbed.
According to initial reports, the perpetrator of the crime is believed to be a member of the Abakuá society, although this information has not been officially confirmed.
The babalawo, also known as oluwo, was assisted by witnesses of the incident and immediately taken to a hospital. However, he did not survive the severity of his injuries. He sustained at least three stab wounds.
So far, the motives behind the crime have not been clarified.
Some rumors suggest that it could be a personal conflict related to "problems with women," but this version has not been verified and remains in the realm of speculation.
Carlos was a former wrestling teacher at the EIDE in Santiago de Cuba and was described on social media as a calm, cheerful, charismatic young man and a good neighbor.
His family, residing near the Bus Terminal on Calle 4 in Santiago de Cuba, awaited the arrival of the body to bid farewell and conduct the funeral rites in his hometown.
In the Afro-Cuban religious community, the death of an oluwo in violent circumstances creates a profound spiritual and symbolic impact.
The assassination once again highlights the rising level of urban violence in Cuba, where crimes occur with alarming frequency, and the public receives no clear explanations or guarantees of justice from the authorities.
For now, Carlitos’ case adds to a growing list of fatalities amidst the country’s social decline. The community awaits answers. And justice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime in Havana and the Increase of Violence in Cuba
What happened to the babalawo who was murdered in Havana?
The babalawo, known as Carlitos, was murdered in broad daylight in Havana, in a violent attack that has shocked both the religious community and the residents of Santiago de Cuba, his hometown. So far, the motives behind the crime have not been clarified.
What is the impact of the murder of the babalawo on the Afro-Cuban community?
The murder of a babalawo, or oluwo, under violent circumstances creates a profound spiritual and symbolic impact on the Afro-Cuban religious community. This event has reignited the debate on the increasing violence in Cuba and the authorities' lack of response.
Is violence increasing in Cuba?
Violence in Cuba is on the rise, with an increasing number of crimes occurring at an alarming frequency. This surge in violence raises concerns among citizens, who receive neither clear explanations nor guarantees of justice from the authorities.
What is known about the possible author of the murder in Havana?
According to some versions, the author of the crime could be a member of the Abakuá society, although this information has not been officially confirmed. The community is awaiting answers and justice, but so far, the reasons for the murder remain unclear.
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