A Disturbing Report of the Rape of a Minor by a Taxi Driver

A most disturbing report of the rape of a minor was made over the weekend in Belize City.  The sixteen-year-old girl says she was beaten and raped by a taxi driver on Friday night, after she missed the last bus to Dangriga. According to the report, the minor got in a cab and asked to be taken to Antelope Street Extension. But instead, she was taken to an area near the Haulover Bridge and then to a house behind the Civic Center where the taxi-driver beat and raped her. She managed to escape from the house just before midday on Saturday and in the company of her mother, they visited the police station to make a report. The police are looking for the taxi man who is connected to this crime.

Hilberto Romero

Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“A complainant along with a minor female reported to police that she caught a taxi from the Pound Yard area; a male person was the driver of that taxi. The male person then took her to an area by Haulover Bridge and then after to an area by the Civic Centre where she alleges that she was beaten and raped. She came to Belize from the Friday and her mother became concerned when she did not return home. This matter is under investigation and we are presently trying to locate this taxi driver.”

Reporter

“Sir in the event that he is located, will his home be searched for other girls that he may have abducted?”

Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero

“Yes that is a part of the investigation. Once he is found, searches will be conducted at his residence.”

Reporter

“And in a case as harrowing as this, how do police then go about comforting women that we are safe in this country to take a taxi?”

Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero

“Well again, we must practice safety measures. If you are not sure who you are going with, go along with someone or try to call a family member for help. At least give them information as to where you are going.”