The People’s National Party (PNP) has condemned the brutal circumstances that led to the death and assault of a family in Trelawny, where 15-year-old Jamila Cole, a student of Troy High School died.

Reports are that on Sunday, August 6, the 15-year-old, her mother, and cousin were at home in Cotton Tree, Albert Town, Trelawny, when two masked men broke in and attacked them repeatedly with a blunt object. The cousin escaped and called for help, and they were taken to the hospital.

Cole died while her mother is in serious condition in hospital.

In a statement released yesterday (August 7), the Opposition said the home invasion is an “unfathomable act of violence that has deeply shaken the community and our country”.

“The heart-wrenching details of the home invasion, where young Ms Cole, her mother, and her 17-year-old cousin were brutally attacked, demonstrates a level of cruelty that is both incomprehensible and abhorrent. Such acts of violence, particularly against our young women, have no place in our society, and we must stand united against them,” said the spokesperson on gender, Denise Daley.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and we offer our deepest condolences to them during this incredibly painful time. We urge the authorities to spare no effort in swiftly bringing those responsible for this monstrous act to justice,” she added.

JCF urged to act swiftly

Also condemning the incident was Opposition spokesperson for national security, Senator Peter Bunting, who called on the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to act swiftly to solve the murder of Cole and reduce the crime rate in Jamaica.

Pointing to Jamaica Constabulary Force statistics which indicate that 134 murders occurred in July, Bunting said more action is needed to “stem the rising tide of murders experienced over the last few months”.

“May the memory of Jamila Cole serve as a catalyst for change and unity, and may her tragic passing inspire us to redouble our efforts in the pursuit of a safer Jamaica for all. The PNP stands committed to working tirelessly to advocate for a Jamaica where every individual is free from the threat of violence and discrimination,” the opposition party said.