Mafia involved in Portuguese businessman kidnapping in Swaziland – The Swazi Observer

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Mafia involved in Portuguese businessman kidnapping in Swaziland – The Swazi Observer

7:57 CAT | 02 May 2017

File photo / Almor Oliveira went missing on Easter Sunday

The Royal Swaziland Police Service has in custody two Asian nationals who are assisting them in investigating the Almor Oliveira kidnapping case.

This was revealed by the National Commissioner Isaac Magagula yesterday during a press briefing held at the Lobamba Police Station where he revealed that their investigations were pointing them towards international criminal elements who have presence in the country.

Speaking at length about several issues that arose and appeared in recent newspaper publications, Magagula said during the course of their investigations, they had unearthed an astounding amount of information which led to the arrest of the two Asians, whereby one is from Mainland China for an unrelated crime to that of kidnapping. According to official police reports released yesterday, the men were rounded up on Friday night in Ezulwini by Lobamba police and were arrested for being found in possession of a 9mm special revolver loaded with three live rounds of ammunition, and a 12-bore shotgun loaded with four rounds of ammunition without a licence or permit.

The report stated that the suspects were yet to appear before the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court.

Magagula first introduced the team of investigators who he said had not taken a break ever since the report of the kidnapping was noted. “I have come to greet them and encourage them to carry on working tirelessly,” he said. He assured that they were working on the issue and had not allowed it to simmer.

“If you can take a closer look, you would see that these officers have red eyes from lack of sleep,” he said.

He said due to their sleepless nights, the police have discovered that Oliveira’s kidnapping was allegedly done by a mafia network operating locally and outside the borders. “They are dealing with a global conglomerate,” he said of the officers in the conference room. He assured that he was speaking with confidence as he said they were slowly closing in on the mafia.

The businessman was allegedly kidnapped two weeks back after attending church. His car was found abandoned on one of his properties with blood splatters and a broken mirror, which brings to the conclusion that there was a scuffle during the kidnapping.

‘Derailing investigations a criminal offence’

People who disturb the police during the execution of their duties are defeating the ends of justice, which is a criminal offence.

This was revealed by RSP National Commissioner Isaac Magagula yesterday during a press conference held for two publications.

He said there were elements competing with the police as they investigated the Oliveira kidnapping and that was unacceptable.

“We need assistance from the nation,” he said, adding how their investigation were, however, being derailed by the people who were somehow competing with the police while they execute their duties. Using the biblical example of the confusion that came about when the builders of the Tower of Babel found themselves talking different languages whereas they had previously spoken in one tone, he said there was need for the country to unite if there could be hope of fighting the mafia.

Without referring to any entity, he said there was unwanted competition which was disturbing their investigations.

“This case was registered with a recognised structure and it is on this premise that everyone in the country should allow the law to investigate unhindered by competition and threats,” he said. Of note is that the police stated in the Observer on Saturday that they have been looking for a group of Asian business people who allegedly offered a E1 million bounty for information concerning the kidnapping. He said it was in this regard that they be allowed to carry on their investigations without unnecessary disturbances, which could possibly set them back. He cautioned that it was in the country’s best interest that those who were disturbing the investigations have had bad experiences with the police better address them and not take out their frustrations by discouraging officers who were working relentlessly by stating that they were not doing their job.

He asked to what end it would serve anybody by demonising the whole service, “We are all residents of the country, Don’t demonise the whole institution from experience you might have had with one officer,” he said, adding that as much as officers worked for the service, a few did not represent their mandate.

He said it would be in the country’s best interest that the police get encouraged daily to do their work diligently as a disjointed country would not see success in overcoming hurdles.

“It serves no purpose for people to get worked up to the extent that they take matters in their hand,” he said, adding how violence was not the answer.

He said there could be no competition as the police were given the authority to investigate by the highest authority.

Police pray to find Oliveira alive

The Royal Swaziland Police Service is praying that Almor Oliveira gets rescued from his kidnappers while in good health.

The National Commissioner Isaac Magagula said they were not only closing in on the kidnappers, but were hoping that he will be in good health when he is rescued. “Kute iphunga yelihlatsi,” he said, while affirming that they would succeed. He further appealed that the nation assist them in finding the businessman who has been missing for two weeks now. After the conference with the media, the national commissioner welcomed pastors who were reportedly there to give investigators word of hope. However, members of the press were asked to excuse them. Of note is that Magagula stated during the press conference that the service would employ all possible means of assistance in order to solve the case. Yesterday’s prayer, although private as it excluded even officers from the communications department, was the second one reported as one was held in Matsapha over a week ago where members of the kidnapped man’s family were in attendance.

Media warned about being overzealous

The media, print media to be specific, has been warned about being overzealous which might result in them crossing lines whenever police execute their duty.

Asking the two reporters present to give a definition of interrogation and interview, the National Commissioner of Police, Isaac Magagula, said reporters could by way of interviewing witnesses before they get interrogated, channel them to giving schooled responses. Referring to the security guards which the Times Sunday, 23 April publication stated had not been questioned by the police, Magagula said such was the overzealousness which could murky their investigations as they would be under the impression that they had to respond as they did during interviews by journalists whereas police sought in-depth information. Of note is that the publication reportedly conducted the interviews a few days after the incident which saw the businessman abducted at his business premises in Matsapha.

Source: The Swazi Observer