Turkish businessman kidnapped in Maputo – O País

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Turkish businessman kidnapped in Maputo – O País

9:59 CAT | 08 Feb 2022

Photo: O País / Lusa

A Turkish businessman was kidnapped on Avenida Francisco Magumbwe in the centre of Maputo on Monday afternoon (07-02). Witnesses say the criminals acted very quickly.

After a slight slow-down, kidnappings are once again haunting the capital, and, true to form, the victim is a businessman.

The incident occurred at around 4:00 p.m., as the citizen in question parked his car on Avenida Francisco Magumbwe, near the Government Information Office.

According to witnesses, just moments after leaving his parked car, the victim was subdued by the kidnappers and dragged to their vehicle, details of which are not so far known.

Upon arrival at the scene, ‘O País’ found the victim’s vehicle immobilised and SERNIC agents carrying out an investigation.

Witnesses at the scene spoke of a speedy action.

“It was all fast. When they became aware of the situation, some of the workers at the man’s construction site attempted to rescue their boss, but were intimidated. Seeing the situation, the bandits fired a shot into the air, and we all lay down on the ground. Those who wanted to help fled, fearing for their lives,” said one witness, who identified himself as an employee of the victim.

“I am his employee. He is a businessman in the construction sector and he is not Mozambican, he is Turkish,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Notícias reported that the victim is businessman Huseyin Sozen, owner of Umran Construções.

The kidnapping took place close to the Government Information Office (GABINFO) and in the vicinity of the 2nd PRM Police Station.

Witnesses told O Pais that the police arrived too late.

The kidnapping takes place a short while after radical restructuring in the top management of the Ministry of the Interior and SERNIC, and can be seen as an affront, given that it took place in the centre of Maputo.

It is known that an anti-abduction unit is being formed, seen as a possible solution to a threat that calls into question the country’s reputation and inhibits investment.

O Pais contacted police spokesman Leonel Muchina, who promised to respond to events today (Tuesday 08-02).

By Raúl Massingue

Source: O País / Noticias