Belize: Laborer brutally attacked with machete in daylight confrontation

Belize: A laborer of Courtenay Crescent in Belize City was chopped severely in his head on Thursday morning near the Swing Bridge.

According to the reports by police officials, just after 6 pm yesterday, Antonio Vivas was standing on Hydes Lane as he was waiting to purchase meat pies when he was hit in the back with a metal pipe. As he turned around, he recognized the man who had assaulted him.

Following this, the victim went home to get a machete and confronted the man at the foot of the bridge where Water Lane and Albert Street meet, which led to a huge struggle ensuing, and the suspect was able to disarm Vivas and chop him in the head.

The victim was severely injured and was taken to the nearby hospital by passersby, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Police officers of Belize City have detained a 58-year-old vendor of Mangrove Street who reportedly carried out the brutal act and is awaiting charges.

The recent criminal activity has been on a surge in Belize due to which the citizens and residents are concerned over their safety on the island. People also took to Facebook to express their concerns and wished the victim with speedy recovery.

“May The Good Lord take over our country and the minds of these people, who think it’s only by killing you can solve problems,” wrote a user named Myrna, while another user said, “This is so very sad, since di man was hit from backhand he should have reported the matter to the police instead of going home to retrieve a machete to make matters worst for himself. Speedy recovery, sir.”

“Belize is turning into a shit hole country now,” wrote another person named Norris Boland while urging the government and the police officers to work collaboratively and tackle the crime situation in the country.