Security forces battled their way on to the Qahal Yahweh Church compound Tuesday afternoon to remove three children reportedly in need of care and protection at what has been styled as a cultic stronghold of abuse, sexual assault, and wife-swapping.
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| Police and soldiers descended on the church property to carry out yesterday's raid |
Yesterday’s was the second raid on the facility located at Lot 144 in Norwood, Montego Bay, since last Thursday and brings to six the number of minors, including a pregnant 16-year-old, extracted from the communal setting dotted with tents, huts, and unfinished buildings.
Approximately 70 followers reside under the same roof, having reportedly abandoned their homes.
Last Thursday, the church’s leaders, brothers Omar and Javaughn Thompson, and a teacher, Vera Woolery, were brought before the St James Family Court to answer charges of neglect after a mother who lived at the compound broke ranks with the group.
“When they appeared in court last week, the children were removed from their care, as the court deemed them in need of care and protection,” said the police, who have confirmed that there is an active investigation related to accusations of human trafficking, child abuse, abduction, and sexual assault.
The investigation is being led in collaboration with the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).
On Tuesday, the police had to call for back-up from the Jamaica Defence Force after they were attacked by enraged believers who used sticks, stones, and their hands in a failed bid to prevent the removal of three siblings, whose grandmother had made a report to the CPFSA.
“I heard my grandchildren – ages six, 13, and 14 – were being sexually molested, beaten, and being ill-treated,” said the woman, who blamed her daughter for taking her grandchildren into what she described as a cult. The grandmother’s name is being withheld by this newspaper to protect the children’s identity. more
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