Police officers face charges of rape, criminal trespass and assault

Three members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) are currently on suspension pending the outcome of criminal charges laid against them.

First to be charged was a corporal of police who appeared before the Family Court last Thursday November 28 and was not called upon to plead to the rape of a 15-year-old girl. He was granted EC$8,000 bail with one surety. He also has to report to the Questelles Police Station on Mondays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The corporal of police is accused of raping the girl on Sunday November 24 somewhere on the Leeward side of the island. His next court date is Thursday, February 20.

A second corporal of police has been charged with the rape of a young woman in police protective custody. Reports are that the young woman was in protective custody as she is a witness in a murder case. It is alleged that she was raped several times by different police officers but so far only one has been charged.

Enkem Richards has been charged for criminal trespass and assault. The Colonaire man is accused of assaulting his neighbour after his wife sought refuge at the neighbour’s house during a domestic dispute. He is currently on bail.

In a press statement issued last Friday November 29 by the Police Public Relations Department, the police high command said that like every other suspect, the officers are deemed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

“The police high command will like to reassure the members of the general public that under no circumstances does the organization condone any unlawful acts being perpetrated by a member of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force against any member of the general public,” said the release.

It added, “as police officers we took an oath and have a vested responsibility to protect the citizens of this blessed land and visitors alike.”