Two men implicated in the obeah-rape saga involving some five females ages 18 - 22 years, were granted bail of $500,000, and $100,000, respectively, when the case reappeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Restricted

Hughroy Hylton, the alleged ringleader, was granted $500,000 bail on the condition that he was restricted to his place of residence, except to seek medical attention. His brother, Holford, was granted $100,000 bail. A third accused, Norman Rowe, was granted $100,000 bail at a previous hearing.

Allegations are that Hughroy, who is charged with human trafficking, abduction, dealing in obeah, conspiracy to rape, rape and practising obeah, lured the women to his house under the guise that he was an obeah man who could protect them from danger. Hylton reportedly told them that they were in danger.

Crystal ball

The complainant who made the report against the men allegedly met Hylton in Westmoreland, where he told her that he had seen in his crystal ball that her life was in danger. She was told to accompany him to his house in Spanish Town where she saw four other women.

It is alleged that Hughroy, Rowe and another man had sex with the women. Hughroy was arrested last December.

Occult books

Police say that over a dozen satanic and occult books were taken from his premises along with other obeah paraphernalia. Holford and Rowe were subsequently arrested and charged with rape and conspiracy to rape. A May 6 mention date was set for the matter, as the medical report was still outstanding.