A relative of an Odsan man, who was injured during an attack on his family at Morne lay-by, Castries Friday evening, has cautioned members of the public that “nowhere is safe” especially at lonely places at nights.
Benjamin Popo, a bus driver, along with his five-year-old daughter and common-law-wife, were enjoying a view at Morne lay-by when a male, armed with a gun, appeared sometime between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The relative, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the bandit with the gun “cranked” the firearm.
“When Popo realised the gun had no bullets he attacked him (the bandit)…. The wife and child were screaming, so of course he put up a fight not knowing there were two other guys waiting below, so the attacker ran.
“When the other two realised what happened they came with their cutlasses, then Popo ran, but one of the attackers ran after him with the cutlass. And in trying to block the guy from chopping him, he chopped his left arm, then that guy ran as well. They (Popo and his family) then got into the vehicle and went to Victoria Hospital,” the relative said.
Popo, who got chopped close to his wrist, did surgery the following day. He is now recuperating at home.
“The guys were under the place waiting. I’d like this out there because when I look at it nowhere is safe. It could have been worse. Right there in that area you’re trying to mug someone?” the relative pondered. “He (Popo) got chopped on his hand. Imagine a five-year-old have to witness that? These guys are sick.”
The relative told SNO that the public must be on their guard at all times.
“Please let these people know that the area is not safe. It is not safe at all. I was really upset…. Trust me it cud have been worse. He could have gotten killed. The child and mother could have gotten killed as well. These men – well boys – had nothing better to do. Ya’ll see there was a child there, ya’ll still went ahead and did that.”
The bandits escaped without taking anything due to the fight put up Popo to protect his family.
Police are investigating.