Woman raped, robbed after cabbie takes detour

A woman who was a passenger in a Toyota motor car travelling from Yallahs to Kingston was allegedly raped after the driver reportedly veered off course and held her at gunpoint.

The Yallahs police said the incident took place along the Albion main road in St Thomas about 7:30 p.m. on June 20.

According to investigators, the 23-year-old cab driver from the Heartease district in Yallahs picked up a male passenger during the journey. It is alleged that shortly after, he diverted from the usual route onto an unfamiliar road. During this detour, the male passenger reportedly pulled a firearm and pointed it at the woman.

Both men allegedly stripped the woman of her clothing, sexually assaulted her, and demanded her belongings. The victim handed over her Apple iPhone XR, valued at $35,000.

The matter was reported to the police, and an investigation was launched. The cab driver was subsequently arrested, placed on an identification parade, and positively identified. He has since been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, rape, robbery with aggravation, abduction, aiding and abetting, and grievous sexual assault.

His court date is being finalised.