By Belize Live News Staff: A morning bus ride turned violent and spilled onto the streets of Orange Walk Town, ending with a woman facing an assault charge.
The Belize Police Department reports that a 20-year-old labourer of San Roman Village, Corozal District, went to the Orange Walk Police Station to report the incident. She said she was aboard a Valencia bus travelling from Corozal Town to Orange Walk Town when she was approached by a woman she had known for several years through a past relationship.
According to the complainant, the woman started pulling her hair while she sat in her seat, and the pair tumbled to the floor of the bus before fellow passengers stepped in to separate them and the woman was put off the bus. The trouble did not end there, however. Around two hours later, the complainant said she was walking to work along Bautista Street when the same woman confronted her once more, punching her in the face and choking her by the neck.
Police recorded a statement and issued medico-legal forms, with the complainant’s injuries certified as “harm” by Dr. Manuel Estrada.
The accused was identified as 29-year-old Jemima Pacheco of San Victor Village, Corozal District. She was cautioned and, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, was formally charged with the crime of harm. She opted to remain silent and was granted station bail.
It is important to note that Pacheco, like anyone facing a charge, is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty before the court.
