The Tribune

THERE have been at least two reported rapes involving two or more men in eastern New Providence, but the police do not think they are connected, The Tribune understands.

Trusted sources within the police force say investigators believe the matters are unrelated and they do not think the victims or their attackers knew each other.

There were three attackers in one of the incidents, and two in the other.

The sources said police believe the incidents were isolated and stressed that there is no need for panic.

However, officially, the Royal Bahamas Police Force is still denying any knowledge of “gang rapes”.

Yesterday, the Assistant Commissioner in charge of crime, Anthony Ferguson, said as far as he knew, police have not received reports of any rapes involving one or more attacker.

This comes after a political figure said he is appalled at the police’s blanket denial that gang rapes have been taking place, claiming he knows a young woman who was attacked in eastern New Providence by a group of men and raped for hours.

While unsure if similar attacks had taken place, the politician said he knows the police are withholding information about at least one case of gang rape – because the victim was one of his daughter’s best friends.

“I am appalled at the police,” said the source, who wished to remain anonymous to protect the victim. “This needs to get out so women can know to be cautious.

“If not, women will go about their business as usual, and more of them will become victims.”

The politician said the attack happened earlier this week when the victim was attacked when returning to her home in eastern New Providence.

Her three attackers forced her inside the house, and raped her for two hours.

“Afterwards, they left on foot, but not before having a discussion about whether or not to kill her,” he said.

“I hope the police are not keeping this quiet, hoping to catch the culprits when someone else is attacked.”

Police denied claims, circulated on social media, that girls were being gang raped by a group of men.

One post claimed that three men are lying in wait outside women’s homes or businesses, kidnapping and raping them.

The poster warned women to be cautious at all times, and not to go anywhere alone.