Three minor girls found sleeping on Berbice seawall

-mom arrested as cops probe sexual abuse

School welfare officers in Berbice on Thursday morning discovered three young girls, aged four, seven and ten years old, sleeping on the seawall along the East Bank Berbice and their mother has since been arrested.

According to reports, the welfare officers had received information that the children were sleeping there and went to investigate. After the girls were questioned, they explained that their stepfather had ordered them out of the house.

They were taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where medical examinations revealed that they were sexually assaulted. An investigation has been launched.

According to Commander of ‘B’ Division Ian Amsterdam, the children’s mother was arrested yesterday.

Amsterdam said it was alleged that the stepfather may have abused the girls and he is being sought as he has gone into hiding.

Amsterdam disclosed that the mother, when questioned about the matter, said she was not aware. It was reported, that in relation to the stepfather’s whereabouts, the woman told ranks, that he had left home early yesterday morning in search of a job. It was also revealed, that the woman in custody is a mother of 14 children—11 girls and three boys—however, all of the children do not reside with her.

Meanwhile, neighbours who asked to remain anonymous said that the stepfather is an ex-soldier. They alleged that the man would physically abuse the woman and the children on a regular basis.

One neighbour alleged that the stepfather beat the girls and then put them out of the house on Wednesday night. He claimed the man took a hammer and hit the ten-year-old in her head.

The three girls are currently hospitalised.