Gender Minister Olivia Grange has joined those condemning the vicious attack on a Trelawny family that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl and the hospitalisation of two other females.

The police report that 15-year-old Jamila Cole succumbed a day later in hospital to injuries she received after being attacked along with her mother and cousin in Cotton Tree, Albert Town, Trelawny on Sunday, August 6. Jamila was reportedly raped and physically assaulted during the home invasion.

In a statement today, August 8, Grange said that she is heartbroken to learn of the recent attack on the three women, which resulted in the 15-year-old losing her life. She urged persons who may have information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators to come forward.

“The unspeakable violence meted out to Jamila, her mother and her cousin at their house in Albert Town has shocked and saddened the nation,” Grange said.

She also called on Jamaicans to say a prayer for the survivors.

Grange also used the opportunity to condemn the recent killing of Heather Moyston, the former group administration manager of Digicel.

Reports are that Moyston and her husband were travelling in a white motor car on Sunday, August 6, in the vicinity of Windward Road and Mountain View Avenue. Reports are that when the car came to a stoplight, gunshots were heard and the police were subsequently called.

Upon the arrival of the police, the couple was found with gunshot wounds to the head. The incident is reportedly linked to a domestic dispute.

“We are all heartbroken by these incidents but we must resolve to unite and end the violence. The police are doing all they can but it requires all of us to end the violence. So if you know anything about what happened in Trewlany, please say something and help bring the perpetrators to justice,” the minister beseeched the nation.

Grange further called on Jamaicans to report cases of domestic violence to prevent similar incidents from recurring.