Family concerned as man disappears after alleged beating by security forces
Published:Wednesday | August 16, 2023 | 12:12 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
The disappearance of a St Andrew man, who, along with his brother, was allegedly beaten inside their home by the security forces during a pre-dawn operation in May, has left a family on edge.
The Hunts Bay police confirmed that a missing person’s report was made for 48-year-old Wayne ‘Natty King’ McBean, of Fitzgerald Avenue, by relatives on May 16. The mentally challenged man is yet to be located.
Wayne’s brother, Orville McBean, 43, told The Gleaner that he filed the report after his brother failed to return home.
The brothers alleged that they were beaten by members of the security forces on a morning when gunmen killed a policeman in the community. Their claims were being probed by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
Some residents of the community are speculating that the disappearance of the elder sibling may have something to do with the assault investigation.
“Dem report dem and INDECOM start investigate, and, by it reach the media, days after, the man just missing so? That nuh look good. Natty King come from here and, anywhere him go, him find back him way home … . We a go three months now. Him family dem want him,” one resident told The Gleaner.
MORE CONCERNED
Orville, however, is reluctant to point fingers and is more concerned with his brother’s whereabouts.
“Around two months a go to three months ya now. Get up and a look to see him and nuh see him none at all … . Mi nuh know. I am concerned, but weh mi a go do? Weh mi can do? Mi can’t do nothing,” he said solemnly.
Orville said that, since Wayne went missing, several theories have been swirling around, including one claim that he was spotted in Gregory Park, St Catherine.
He said it was unlike his brother to stay away from home for any extended time.
He said their sister, who resides overseas, is also struggling with his disappearance.
“She a ask if we nuh see him or hear from him. Everybody asking me,” said Orville.
He said that, when he last checked with INDECOM, he was informed that no-one has been culpable in the beating probe.
The brothers had previously told The Gleaner that they were inside their place of abode on Fitzgerald Avenue, off Maxfield Avenue, about 5 a.m. on May 7, when a joint security team on patrol reportedly forced entry.
During the ordeal, which they said lasted about 20 minutes, residents reportedly heard them pleading for their lives.
According to the brothers, the only explanation given was that a gunman, who the security team was chasing, was seen entering their yard.
No weapon was seized during a search of the premises, and no charges were laid against them.
Orville, who received the brunt of the beating, had suffered injuries to his face.