13 suspected gang members set on fire by angry Haitian residents

At least 10 suspected gang members were beaten and set on fire by residents of Port-au-Prince as public anger grows over the lawless situation in the country, Haitian police said on Monday.

Haiti National Police said in a brief statement that officers from the Canape Vert section stopped a minibus on Monday and searched it for contraband. Police officers confiscated weapons found in the car. 

Members of the crowd then took the 13 alleged gangsters from police custody and beat them and stoned them. They then proceeded to put tires on them and pour gasoline on them before setting them on fire and burning them to death. 

Witness Edner Samuel told the Associated Press that the suspects were believed to be heading to another area to join gang members who were engaged in a fight with police officers.  

In a separate incident, Haiti’s notorious crime boss Carlo Petithomme, leader of the Ti Makak gang, was found dead, Desroisiers said. No further details were given. 

Gang violence in Haiti has increased since President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021, leaving behind a power vacuum. Since then, gangs have sought to extend their territory, leaving thousands of residents caught in the middle of violent fights.

As a result, hundreds of Haitians have been left dead and thousands of others displaced. In recent weeks, the violence has escalated to routine fights between gangs and Haiti’s security officers. 

More than 80% of Port-au-Prince is currently controlled by more than 200 criminal groups and gangs, according to official estimates. 

Desroisiers said the anger of the population towards gangs is understandable, but that “the collaboration we are seeking must be done without violence."