Rape Suspect’s Dramatic Escape Attempt Foiled in Valletta
Drama in Valletta: Rape Suspect’s Escape Attempt Foiled
In the heart of Malta’s capital, a tense scene unfolded yesterday as a rape suspect, who had been granted bail, attempted to evade justice. The man, identified as 35-year-old Joseph Xuereb, was rearrested after a dramatic chase through the narrow streets of Valletta.
From Freedom to Flight
Xuereb was released on bail last week, much to the dismay of the victim and her family. The suspect, accused of raping a woman in her 20s last year, had been remanded in custody since his arrest. However, his legal team successfully argued for his release, citing the length of his detention and the lack of evidence.
His newfound freedom was short-lived. On Tuesday, Xuereb’s bail conditions required him to report to the Floriana Police Station. Instead of complying, he chose to flee, setting off a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase through the historic streets of Valletta.
Pursuit in the Capital
The chase began at around 11 am, with Xuereb sprinting from his St. Lucy Street residence towards the bustling Republic Street. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect darting through crowds, causing a commotion that quickly drew the attention of police officers on patrol.
Xuereb led the pursuing officers on a winding route through the capital, past iconic landmarks like the Grandmaster’s Palace and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. His attempt to lose his pursuers in the labyrinthine streets of the old city ultimately proved futile. After a 20-minute chase, Xuereb was apprehended near the City Gate, where the new Parliament building stands.
“It was like something out of a movie,” said Tony Camilleri, a local shopkeeper who witnessed the pursuit. “One minute, I was serving a customer, and the next, this man was running past my shop with police hot on his heels.”
Justice Served?
Xuereb was subsequently taken into custody and is expected to appear in court again next week. His bail has been revoked, and he will remain in detention pending his trial. The victim’s family has expressed relief at the turn of events, hoping that this will bring them one step closer to justice.
“Today was a reminder that justice will always catch up with you,” said the victim’s father, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We’re just grateful that the police were able to apprehend him so quickly and that he won’t be able to harm anyone else while he’s out on bail.”
