MININT confirms that the police officer found dead in Caibarién was attacked

The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) confirmed on Friday the murder of the captain of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), Leonel Mesa Rodríguez, 62 years old, who was found dead in the municipality of Caibarién, Villa Clara.

According to the official news report, the body of the agent, a sector chief with nearly 24 years of service, was found in the La Reforma popular council, on a stretch of the road between Remedios and Caibarién.

Next to him was the official motorcycle he used for his duties.

The statement detailed that Mesa had six stab wounds and a gunshot to the head, confirming that it was a direct attack against the officer.

The MININT assured that specialized forces from the province are investigating the incident "to fully clarify it," and warned that acts "such as this, which are reprehensible, will always face a strong response from revolutionary laws and the unanimous condemnation of the people."

The institution also expressed its condolences to the family and colleagues, emphasizing that the agent remained "on the front line of the fight against crime and a faithful defender of internal order."

First reports and a heavy police presence

Hours before the official announcement, independent media and residents had reported the discovery of the body in an area known as La Cabaña.

Social media posts, such as those from the outlet La Tijera, indicated that the body showed a bullet wound to the forehead and that the officer was not in possession of his service weapon, although these details had not been confirmed at that time.

Witnesses also reported that the area remained cordoned off for several hours, with a strong presence of police and State Security personnel.

Images and videos shared by La Tijera and CubaNet showed the agent lying on the ground surrounded by uniformed officers as traffic was diverted.

A witness cited by CubaNet stated that Mesa had “a bullet in the middle of his forehead and about four stab wounds in his chest,” while another recalled seeing him hours earlier talking to someone on the same road.

Mixed reactions on social media

The death of the agent, known in the area by the nickname "Cal Viva," has sparked mixed reactions. Some neighbors remember him as a strict sector chief in La Reforma, where, according to reports, several people ended up imprisoned due to his actions.

La Tijera also recalled that he had been promoted on June 6 "for his work in the repression against the people."

However, other citizens publicly defended him.

Internet user Wilfredo Quiñones wrote on Facebook that Mesa "was merely dedicated to stopping criminals and was apparently one of the most efficient in the eyes of the people," pointing out that those who criticize his actions only remember the law when they feel affected.

Ongoing investigation

Although initial reports from neighbors and alternative media suggested that the agent had been murdered, the confirmation from MININT eliminates any doubts about the violent nature of the incident.

The authorities assured that the case is under investigation and promised to clarify the circumstances and those responsible for the attack.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Police Officer's Death in Caibarién