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A violent machete attack that took place on Friday afternoon left a 76-year-old man, identified as Wilfredo Calzadilla, seriously injured in the area of kilometer 11 and a half, El Castillito, in Santiago de Cuba.
The event has caused shock and outrage among the neighbors, who demand immediate action from the authorities.
According to a local source who requested anonymity for security reasons, the attacker was identified as Roberto Vega, a man known in the community for alleged scams related to the sale of television parts.
After the attack, Vega fled the scene and remains at large, despite the report already being filed with the police, independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported through his profile on Facebook.
Relatives of the injured reported that Calzadilla suffered multiple wounds and was urgently transported to his daughter's home in Veguita de Galo, where he remains under care due to the severity of his injuries.
So far, there is no official version from the police, nor details on the circumstances that led to the assault.
In the absence of official results, the victim's children have started their own search for the attacker.
The attack has raised alarms in the rural area of Santiago, where residents claim that violent and criminal incidents have increased without an effective response from the authorities.
The neighbors are demanding greater control and security, reporting an increasing sense of impunity that puts the most vulnerable communities in the province at risk.
A violent robbery was reported on September 1 in the José Martí District, in Santiago de Cuba, resulting in two people injured with bladed weapons and a "substantial" amount of money stolen.
Weeks earlier, a violent attack against several women took place at the intersection of Trocha and Cristina streets, in the country's second-largest city, shocking onlookers.
Street violence in Santiago de Cuba has witnessed several alarming incidents in recent weeks as evidence of the growing insecurity on the island.
A stabbing spree shook the city when two violent incidents occurred on the same day, highlighting the increase in insecurity and aggression in public spaces.
Days later, a violent brawl occurred outside a cell phone repair shop, where several individuals confronted each other with blows in broad daylight.
The case of the alleged "cannibal killer" in Santiago de Cuba continues to shock the public, amidst suspicions that José Luis Fernández Torres, 60 years old, is not only responsible for the brutal murder of Ángel Luis Mercantety Quiñones, but also for the disappearance of other residents of the Abel Santamaría neighborhood.
In June, a 70-year-old farmer was tortured and killed in Quintoque for his belongings, in a crime that shocked eastern Cuba.
Months earlier, a student was seriously injured at the Vocational School of Exact Sciences "Antonio Maceo", following a violent incident within the educational institution.
Furthermore, residents reported that armed youth gangs are committing assaults and robberies on the streets of Santiago without the authorities providing effective solutions.
The Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit warned that in 2024, more than two crimes were reported daily in the country, marking an increase of over 50% compared to the previous year.
Santiago, along with Matanzas, Havana, and Holguín, tops the list of the most affected provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions about Insecurity in Santiago de Cuba
What happened in the machete attack in Santiago de Cuba?
Wilfredo Calzadilla, a 76-year-old man, was seriously injured in a machete attack in the El Castillito area. The assailant, identified as Roberto Vega, remains at large. This incident has sparked outrage among the residents, who are demanding immediate action from the authorities.
How has violence affected the community of Santiago de Cuba?
Violence in Santiago de Cuba has created an increasing sense of insecurity among residents. Neighbors report a lack of control and safety, with incidents of violence such as muggings, stabbings, and knife attacks becoming more common without an effective response from the authorities.
What has been the response of the authorities to the rise in crime in Santiago de Cuba?
So far, the authorities' response has been ineffective in the face of the rising wave of crime in Santiago de Cuba. Residents criticize the lack of police presence and the prevailing impunity, which has led some to take justice into their own hands in a desperate attempt to protect themselves.
What other recent incidents have occurred in Santiago de Cuba?
In addition to the machete attack on Wilfredo Calzadilla, several incidents of violence have been reported in Santiago de Cuba, including multiple stabbings, street fights, and violent robberies. These incidents reflect a growing pattern of insecurity that impacts the local community.
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