Five charged over Marsascala gang rape as police warn of more victims

Five people, including two minors, were charged in court over the alleged rape of a woman at gunpoint in Marsascala, as police warned there could be more victims.

The accused, all Syrian nationals, aged between 16 and 21, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court heard that two of the men are accused of raping the woman, while others are alleged to have assisted, filmed the assaults, or acted as a lookout.

The adult accused are 18-year-old Hussen Haj Hebbo, 18-year-old Mohammed Alrmo Hamdo, and 20-year-old Redwan Alhaj Hamo Albashar Ibrahim. The other two accused are aged 16 and 17. The names of the minors cannot be published by court order.

Inspector Lydon Zammit told the court that a woman filed a report with the police on April 16, saying the night before, she had agreed to meet a man she had been in contact with online.

The man booked her a taxi, which took her to a residence in Marsascala. Although the building appeared habitable from the outside, she realised upon entering that it was abandoned and had no electricity.

As she attempted to leave, the woman said someone covered her mouth, and three other men suddenly appeared. One of them was holding a gun and warned her not to scream, while restraining her to prevent her escape.

She was taken into another room, where her belongings, including her handbag, were taken. She was then told that she would be forced to have sex with two of the men.

The court heard that four individuals took her upstairs at gunpoint, where she was raped by two of them. During the assaults, two other men allegedly watched and filmed what was happening.

After the assaults, the victim and the accused went back downstairs, where her gold jewellery, money and AirPods were stolen.

The men allegedly warned her not to move for 10 minutes, telling her they would know if she attempted to leave because there were cameras in the building. She waited before leaving and returned to the hotel where she was staying.

The following day, she reported the case to the police, who launched an investigation. Officers were able to confirm how she arrived at the abandoned building and how she left.

When police searched the premises, they found what they described in court as “a lot of contraceptives”, including two that appeared to have been recently used.

Through CCTV footage, investigators identified the suspects. Footage from across the street also showed a fifth individual, whom the victim had not mentioned, allegedly acting as a lookout in case anyone approached the building.

A magisterial inquiry was opened, and the men were arrested on April 28.

Inspector Zammit told the court that, while in custody, the suspects admitted involvement in the case, despite pleading not guilty during court proceedings. Evidence from their mobile phones, along with their statements, suggested that the alleged crimes may not have been isolated.

Police believe there could be "at least five other victims", and investigations are ongoing as authorities expect more individuals to come forward.

During the sitting, one of the defence lawyers requested that the accused be held in a juvenile facility rather than prison. No request for bail was made.

The victim’s name and nationality are subject to a publication ban.

The case was heard before Magistrate Ingrid Bianco.

The prosecution is led by inspectors Lydon Zammit, Keith Rizzo and Chantelle Mifsud, together with AG lawyers Clive Aquilina and Jennifer Polidano.

The accused are being represented by Franco Debono, Adreana Zammit, Jean Paul Sammut, Kyle Briffa, Matthew Mamo and Martina Herrera.