Denham Town Resident Uneasy Following Altercation

Yet another video on social media is earning the ire of Jamaicans after a pregnant woman was “rifle smacked” by soldiers in Denham Town Thursday. CVM Live spoke to the woman, who is 6 months pregnant. Another video has surfaced of a pregnant woman being rough-housed by soldiers in Denham Town, west Kingston. The woman, who was resisting efforts by the soldier to push her back with his rifle, sustained a kick to the stomach that sent her to the Kingston Public Hospital. Residents say tensions were already high at the time as soldiers were heated from an exchange with the brother of Horaine Glenn.

Glenn is the 32 year old man whose death sparked fiery protests for days in the area. It’s alleged the woman was making her way to a nearby shop, when she was stopped by a JDF soldier. After allegedly being riled up by the derogatory comment she attempted to fight back by throwing a chair at the soldier. Family members tried holding her back before she was hauled away by soldiers. Now bearing bruises, the woman six months pregnant shared her concern for the health of her unborn boy. She’s only felt him kick once since the incident. 

Since the death of Horaine, her cousin, her trust in soldiers has waned. The Jamaica Defence Force and INDECOM have indicated they will investigate the matter. Locals say it wasn’t always like this. The five year ZOSO has created a sturdy relationship between security forces and civilians. But that bond wears, so too will the tolerance of the people who say they can’t take anymore.

Reporter: Jhanielle Powell