by Charles Gladden
BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 19, 2024
Former two-time Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya became the victim of an attack by her employee that occurred at her home on the Philip Goldson Highway on Thursday morning, March 13.
According to information from a local media outlet, Moya was inside her home around 5:00 a.m. when her caretaker, Corliss McKenzie, 28, entered her room and an argument reportedly developed. The caretaker allegedly pepper-sprayed Moya in the face, after which he punched her twice in the head, then he grabbed a bread knife, placed the knife to her neck, and threatened to kill her.
However, Moya contradicted portions of that report when she spoke to Amandala. She explained that McKenize did not beat her, but she was physically assaulted as he hit her on either side of her head while she was covering her face with her hands to avoid being pepper sprayed.
Moya said she stomped her feet and that caused her attacker to flee, but not before he permanently damaged two of her phones and took approximately $400 from her wallet, some of which he gave her back. Afterward, she contacted the authorities.
“It was an incident that I wish did not happen,” said Moya to Amandala. She further mentioned, “I was working on my laptop and did not expect it, as it was out of character of the person I have been working with.”
She noted that McKenzie had been working for her for little over a month, and as his job title requires, he had copies of her keys, which granted him access to Moya’s home.
Moya requested court action be done, thus McKenzie was arrested and he faces six charges including – aggravated assault with pepper spray, threat of death, damage to property, and theft – but she told Amandala that the charge of theft was later dropped as her housekeeper was able to find the remainder of cash.
McKenzie pleaded not guilty to the charges and was given bail of $2,500 with him not to interfere, contact, or communicate with Moya and/or any of her family members or any other prosecution witnesses. He must report to the Queen Street Police Station twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
He is expected to return to court on May 14.