Summer closing festivities in Manzanillo end in tragedy: One person has been arrested

A man with a criminal record killed another man with a machete during the celebrations in the Las Novillas neighborhood of Manzanillo, Granma province. The police captured him hours later after he attempted to attack more people.

Cuban police patrol (reference image)Photo © CiberCuba

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The end-of-summer celebrations in Manzanillo, Granma, ended in tragedy when an individual with a criminal record fatally attacked a neighbor with a machete during the festivities.

According to information provided this Thursday on Facebook by the official profile Entérate con Aytana Alama, the incident occurred in the Las Novillas neighborhood, where a man with a criminal history disrupted the festive activities and fatally attacked another citizen.

Facebook Capture / Stay Informed with Aytana Alama

According to testimonies gathered by the publication, everything points to a settling of scores.

The aggressor accused the victim of having reported him after a robbery they had both participated in, which sparked the violent fight that ended with one of them dead.

Residents of the area reported that after committing the murder, the individual tried to locate two other men from the same gang, threatening to take their lives as well.

However, they managed to hide and avoided being attacked, emphasized the regime's spokesperson profile.

The criminal managed to escape the scene, but was captured shortly thereafter by the police.

The arrest brought a sense of relief to the residents, who expressed their sorrow over what had happened but also their comfort in knowing that the attacker is now in custody.

During popular celebrations in Cuba, levels of violence and crime have reached concerning peaks. In Santiago de Cuba, a party ended with the murder of a young father who was stabbed in broad daylight, allegedly for reasons related to an ex-partner.

The victim was identified as Roberto Castilla Oñate, and according to witnesses, his attackers belonged to a local gang.

During the Santiago carnival, violent clashes became frequent. In one of the most notable incidents, street fights erupted on the central Trocha street, while some attendees reported the minimal police presence.

Days earlier, a violent altercation marked the pre-carnival, leaving a strong impression on residents, who questioned the authorities' ability to ensure safety.

In similar events, such as a street party also in Santiago, two young people were seriously injured after a fight involving knives. The scene was described as chaotic, with victims bleeding in the middle of the street before being rushed to the local military hospital.

The situation is not exclusive to eastern Cuba. In Pinar del Río, an individual who intruded uninvited into a party attacked a young man with a bottle, . Although the neighbors managed to subdue the aggressor, the police never arrived at the scene, which caused outrage in the community.

More recently, in Santiago de Cuba, the authorities connected to a case of multiple homicide that shook the San Pedrito neighborhood. The arrests followed an intensive investigation that included testimonies from neighbors and recordings from surveillance cameras.

Also in that city, the alleged perpetrator of a murder was captured who attempted to conceal his crime by setting fire to the house where the incident took place. According to initial reports, the individual had a history of violent behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions about Violence and Security in Manzanillo

What happened during the end-of-summer celebrations in Manzanillo?

The end-of-summer celebrations in Manzanillo ended tragically when a man with a criminal record fatally attacked a neighbor with a machete. The crime was motivated by an alleged settling of scores, as the attacker accused the victim of having informed on him after a robbery. The assailant attempted to flee but was captured shortly afterward by the police.

How has the community of Manzanillo responded to the increase in crime?

In Manzanillo, the neighbors have acted at times to detain criminals before the police arrive, as was the case with a thief captured by the La Kaba community. Residents, frustrated by the rising insecurity and the perceived ineffectiveness of the authorities, have intervened directly, although this has also led to attempts at vigilante justice.

What factors are contributing to the increase in violence in Manzanillo?

The rising wave of violence in Manzanillo is linked to the economic crisis, the scarcity of resources, and the inadequacy of security measures. Economic difficulties have led to an increase in crimes such as thefts, settling of scores, and street violence, reflecting an environment of social helplessness and lack of opportunities.

What has been the response of the authorities to the recent acts of violence in Manzanillo?

The authorities have responded by capturing the aggressors in some cases, such as the recent murder during the summer festivities. However, the perception of ineffectiveness and delay in police response has generated discontent among the population. Residents have expressed their frustration and have demanded more decisive actions to improve safety in the city.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.