Public Defender Earl Witter when contacted yesterday afternoon gave a terse response in addressing the police's claims. "I make no comment whatsoever on what you tell me or what your police sources have told you," he said, refusing additional comment on the matter.
Allegations against the deejay are that he and other men had conspired to murder businessman Barrington 'Bossie' Burton, a 27-year-old promoter of a Gregory Park, St Catherine, address. Burton was shot while standing in the company of other persons along Walkers Avenue in Gregory Park on July 11.
Vybz Kartel was arrested on September 30 and faces charges of conspiracy to murder, illegal possession of firearm and murder. The deejay was also slapped with a ganja possession charge after a quantity of the drug was found when he was picked up by police at a New Kingston hotel while in the company of three other persons, including a female.
He has since pleaded not guilty to the ganja possession charge and is set to face the court on the more serious offences.
In recent weeks, in addition to Vybz Kartel, Kyro Jones, André 'Mad Puss' St John and another man, known as 'Badda Dan' - all allegedly affiliated to the area known as Gaza - have been arrested in connection with other charges, including shootings and murders. Laingberg 'Laing' McDonald was also arrested on a separate charge.
Among the police's claims of witness intimidation is that on the morning of the identification parade in the murder case, gunmen staged an attack in the area where the murder took place.
In response, the St Catherine South police rounded up "all known members of the Gaza gang", adding that "people have been scurrying for their lives, not into hiding but to public legal offices, as a way of getting out of the case".
Police sources have described the actions as "a challenge to law and order and police control", which have led to a continuous operation against the Gaza gang in Portmore and other places islandwide.
The St Catherine South police have since established a strong presence in communities bordering 'Gaza' in Waterford and the Gregory Park area.
A decision has yet to be made as to whether the show will be discontinued or simply aired without the corporate backing of the company. According to Teacha’s Pet producers a decision will be made very soon.
His lawyer, Chris Tavares-Finson, issued a plea to Kartel's fans and people who had contracted the artiste.
"Let me ask Mr Palmer's legion of fans and anyone who has any contractural arrrangement with him to be patient for at least another 48 hours so we can get a full understanding of the magnitude of the situation," said Tavares-Finson.
