Residents block road to protest man's death

Following the death of a man in Cockburn Gardens in St Andrew yesterday, residents are claiming that they are being targeted by the police.

Yesterday, the residents blocked the road to protest the death of one of their own, 34-year-old Omar Mahoney, who was killed on Thursday.

One resident said that before Mahoney's death, police came into the area and took a photo of him.

"From the don dead, dem [men from York Avenue, White Lane, and Mahoe Drive] wah tek ova the turf, and the people dem [in Cockburn Gardens] nah allow dat. True the people dem from our part stand up and seh no, the man dem team up and wah turn pan we. The police dem now a tek side wid dem and a come in and wah kill wi off ova yah. We can't live inna peace ova yah," one resident said.

However, Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of St Andrew South, Gary Francis, has dismissed these claims. He said that the police have done their work, and if anyone who is supposed to be representing them acts unethically in any manner, that person would be penalised. He said in order to do that, people need to speak out.

"As long as those allegations can be substantiated, they will be dealt with," he said.

COLLECTINGMONEY

Francis also rubbished allegations that the police have been collecting money from criminal elements in the area. He told THE STAR that they have indeed received reports and have done investigations into the matter. He said that the force is aiming to continue being ethical, and, as such, when allegations are made, they are investigated.

"The persons who have had any form of information, we have different mechanisms within the organisation who will continue to investigate those allegations, and we continue to demonstrate professionalism in the community, we continue to meet with citizens," he said.

The residents also added that they are tired of the tension and would like the crime and violence to stop. They told THE STAR that they only want peace.

"From me deh here a bare party used to keep on our side of the community. There was no war, but from the summer start there is no fun. A bare funeral and nine night we haffi a deal wid," one resident said.

However, Francis said that the police are doing their best to quell the situation, and they are hoping for the continued support from residents in the communities.

"We have utilised a number of policing strategies, and they have been working. But bear in mind though, we are talking about people's social behaviour. Police cannot manage people's behaviour, but we will police as best as we can," he said.

"But we cannot afford a police on everyone doorstep because gunmen are operating from the York Avenue side and from the Mahoe Drive side and both sides will put up a demonstration like this, supporting criminal elements on their side. But we understand those issues, and we continue to work with the law-abiding citizens in these communities," he said.