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Cuban authorities arrested Yojanner Silega Víctor in the municipality of Cárdenas, in the province of Matanzas, as a suspected perpetrator of the murder of a coachman last May.
According to the official profile "Con Todos la Victoria" on Facebook, the crime occurred in May during an attempted robbery, when the assailant allegedly attacked the coachman to seize the horse that was pulling the carriage.
As a result of the aggression, the man fell to the ground and suffered serious injuries that later led to his death.
In addition to homicide, Silega is linked to other crimes, such as theft and illegal slaughter of cattle, according to the cited report.
He is currently in custody and will face charges for these events, according to the regime's spokesperson.
In October 2024, Santiago de Cuba was the scene of a violent crime that shocked the community: the murder of Yorlandi Rodríguez Valenciano, a young officer of the Ministry of the Interior who was ambushed by several assailants after being deceived by a female accomplice.
The body of the official, a father of two girls, was found in a patch of weeds, and the main suspects—including two twin brothers known as "Los Mellizos"—were arrested following a police operation.
At the end of November of the same year, also in Santiago de Cuba, the authorities captured the alleged perpetrator of a series of murders of security guards that took place at various locations in the city.
The arrested individual is suspected of having killed two security guards —one from the State Agricultural Market "El Santiaguero" and another from the Bar Restaurant "Café Continental"— and attempted to murder a third at "El Acuario".
The police also confirmed their connection to other armed robberies in a case that raised concerns due to its apparent serial nature.
In February 2025, another significant arrest took place in Matanzas, where Yoandy Castro was detained, the alleged murderer of 75-year-old teacher Esperanza Cabrera Melvin, who had been missing since December 2024.
The suspect was identified after boasting about his crime while intoxicated, stating that "he would hit her with a bat just like Esperanza." The case has reignited the public debate on impunity, the deterioration of the Cuban judicial system, and the growing sense of insecurity affecting communities throughout the country.
Frequently asked questions about the increase in crime in Cuba
Who is Yojanner Silega Víctor and what charges are being brought against him?
Yojanner Silega Víctor is the alleged perpetrator of the murder of a coachman in Cárdenas, Matanzas. He is accused of having attacked the coachman in an attempt to rob him of his horse, resulting in the coachman's death days later. Additionally, Silega is linked to crimes of theft and illegal slaughter of livestock.
How has crime impacted public safety in Cuba?
The rise in crime has generated increasing concern among citizens in Cuba. Violent robberies, assaults, and thefts in broad daylight are becoming more frequent, which has led many citizens to feel vulnerable and unsafe. The perception of impunity and the authorities' inefficiency in controlling the situation exacerbate the problem.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to control access to firearms?
The Cuban government has announced a new decree to tighten gun control in the country. This measure aims to curb access to firearms by criminals and civilians, in response to the increasing rise of gun violence. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a point of contention among the population.
What role do social media play in the perception of insecurity in Cuba?
Social media has been an important channel for denouncing and raising awareness about violence in Cuba. Although the government argues that the perception of insecurity is fueled by posts on social media, many citizens use these platforms to share information about crimes and express their concerns about safety in the country.
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