By Latrishka Thomas
A concerned grandmother wants justice in the matter of an alleged sexual assault of her 12-year-old granddaughter and she is accusing the police of dragging their feet.
The woman told OBSERVER media that her granddaughter was raped by a 26-year-old man two weeks ago in Villa and, to date, the alleged perpetrator has not been charged.
The alleged victim’s grandmother said that the young girl was taken to the doctor, who then reported to the police that the young girl had suffered some form of sexual abuse.
She said that this was in addition to an official report and statement made by the 12-year-old to the police in the presence of her mother and father.
The grandmother claims the police arrested the suspect on Friday, but released him shortly after, without filing any charges.
She added that the police are requesting to see phone conversations between the young girl and the man, which she thinks should not be a primary factor given the nature of the incident.
According to her, the police have not made any efforts to contact social services or any of the corresponding authorities.
The alleged victim is also said to be scared to go to and from school on her own since the man allegedly threatened her.
Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Frankie Thomas, however, said that the police recognize the seriousness of the matter and are still conducting investigations into what he termed an “alleged indecent assault” after the suspect was interviewed in relation to the accusations.