KINGSTON – Government and opposition politicians were united in their condemnation of the murder of a 17-year-old schoolgirl because she refused the sexual advances of men in the community.
National Security Minister Robert Montague and Opposition leader Dr Peter Phillips have both condemned Sunday’s murder of Micholle Moltan.
The Meadowbrook High School student and her 12 year-old sister were sleeping at their home in the Corporate Area community of Zimbabwe, when they were shot. Micholle died after receiving a gunshot wound to the head.
Montague said the incident is a harsh reminder of the realities “we face as a nation”.
“Even while we have much to celebrate, some have no thought for the future, preferring to hurt our youth and destroy their hopes and dreams,” he said, as he offered condolences to the family of the two girls.
Montague said that the incident also underscores the difficulties that the police force faces, detracting from their hard work which has resulted in a five per cent decrease in crime overall.
He said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has given the assurance that “no effort will be spared to bring to justice the criminals who carried out this dastardly act” and urged Jamaicans to unite against crime.
“We must redouble our efforts and every law-abiding citizen must report all incidents of criminality; there are several options available to do so anonymously. We have the Stay Alert app, you may call 811 or Crime stop at 311, or write the information on a piece of paper, put it in an envelope, mark an X on it and drop at any post office,” Montague added.
Phillips has called on the Arnett Gardens community to help the police in their investigations.
“This brutal killing of the 17-year-old and the shooting of her younger sister, signal a new low to which our society has plunged in relation to crime and violence,” Phillips said in a statement.
““I offer condolences to the family, community, schoolmates and teachers, and pray for a speedy recovery for her sister who suffered injury in the attack,” he added. (CMC)
