Security forces fatal shootings near 100

Nearly 100 persons have been killed by members of the security forces since the start of the year.

As of Thursday evening, the number of fatal shootings by the security forces rose to a staggering 96 in the 105 days since the start of the year. The latest to be killed are George Griffiths and Shaqcol Pounall in two separate incidents. In the case of Griffiths, he was in Cambridge, St Elizabeth, on Wednesday, while Pounall was killed on Content Avenue off Waltham Park Road yesterday.

According to preliminary police reports, both men allegedly confronted the police with firearms. Officers at the scene reported recovering one weapon from each location. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) described Pounall, otherwise called 'Track Star', as a high-ranking member of the 7s gang. The police said Pounall was a person of interest in a quadruple murder on Ayshire Avenue, Kingston 10, last November, as well as other incidents currently under investigation.

Members of the police force have been placed on high alert following the fatal shooting of Pounall. The Police High Command said the 7s gang, which operates in sections of Waltham Park, has issued threats of reprisal in response to Pounall's death.

"All members of the JCF are urged to exercise extreme vigilance, particularly within the Corporate Area, and to act lawfully to protect themselves," the police said.

"Criminals are also reminded to surrender peacefully when confronted by the police," JCF added.