A fugitive inmate from Boniato prison in Santiago de Cuba has been apprehended in Guantánamo following a police operation.
The individual, identified as Osviel Laugart Tamé, was discovered in a residence where three others were involved in the illegal slaughter of livestock, as reported by the state-run outlet "Guantánamo y su verdad."
Laugart Tamé had been hiding in the location for several days and was reportedly in a relationship with the homeowner at the time of his capture.
This arrest was the culmination of a tracking operation conducted by Guantánamo authorities, in collaboration with law enforcement from Santiago de Cuba.
The operation took place at a house located on 2 North Street between 1 and 2 West, where three men were also found butchering a cow stolen from a farmer in Niceto Pérez municipality.
Authorities seized a significant amount of beef and the tools used in the slaughter during the search.
All four individuals were taken to the Municipal Police Station and will face charges for the illegal slaughter of livestock, along with other potential offenses that may emerge during the legal proceedings.
Days of Secrecy with His Partner
According to local testimonies, the fugitive had been living covertly in the residence for days, maintaining a romantic relationship with the owner. This arrangement likely helped him temporarily evade capture.
The official report states that the case remains open, with authorities investigating potential links to other criminal activities, including recent violent incidents in the area still under investigation.
Public Reactions: Applause and Frustration
The news prompted a wave of reactions on the original report, highlighting public concern over crime and a perceived sense of impunity.
Most expressed relief at the capture and called for severe punishment. Phrases like "full force of the law," "life sentence," and "hard labor like in El Salvador" were common. Some even demanded public trials and harsher penalties, citing tough policies similar to those of President Nayib Bukele.
There were also criticisms of prison security: "How did he escape from Boniato?" one user questioned.
Another commented: "Several have escaped from there. What's going on?"
Some expressed fear and exhaustion: "I'm scared even in my own home," noted a local resident.
The rising number of violent crimes and thefts in rural areas was a focal point of many opinions. Others lamented the inadequacy of the justice system: "They lock him up today, and in six months, he's back on the streets," one commenter remarked.
Rural Theft and Erosion of Trust
The case reignited a sensitive issue for Cubans: the theft and slaughter of livestock, a practice directly impacting farmers and small producers who have long felt vulnerable to bands operating with impunity.
"The animal belonged to a farmer. They always steal from those who have the least," one user commented.
Others noted that stolen meat is rarely recovered by its owners and questioned whether the victim would receive any compensation.
Is the Case Truly Closed?
Despite the arrest, many questions remain.
How did the inmate escape from a provincial prison with supposedly reinforced security measures? How many people were involved in hiding him? What ties did he have to unsolved violent crimes?
Authorities claim the investigation is ongoing, but the public demands more than isolated captures: they call for institutional accountability, transparency, and a system that prevents fugitives from reoffending without real consequences.
As one internet user summed it up: "There's no public safety. There's nothing."
Questions About the Inmate's Escape and Capture in Cuba
How did Osviel Laugart Tamé manage to evade capture for days?
Laugart Tamé evaded capture by hiding in a residence and maintaining a relationship with the homeowner, which likely helped him avoid detection temporarily.
What charges are the individuals facing?
The individuals are facing charges for the illegal slaughter of livestock and may face additional charges as the investigation progresses.
What was the public's reaction to the capture?
The public expressed relief and satisfaction with the capture, calling for severe punishments and criticizing the security of the prison from which the inmate escaped.
Why is the issue of livestock theft significant in this case?
Livestock theft is a significant issue because it directly impacts farmers and small producers, who feel vulnerable to theft and violence, affecting their livelihood.