Manuel Tocova has not been released – PRM Nampula spokesman

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Manuel Tocova has not been released – PRM Nampula spokesman

11:28 CAT | 13 Nov 2017

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CM Mozambique (File photo) / Manue Tocova (left) and Pedro Hussene presented to the press upon their arrest last week

Contrary to reports that Manuel Tocova, former interim mayor of the city of Nampula, was released on Friday on payment of 300,000 meticais bail, police in Nampula say that the controversial mayor is still in custody.

On Sunday afternoon, @Verdade contacted Zacarias Nacute, spokesman for PRM Provincial Command in Nampula, by phone, and was assured that the information regarding Manuel Tocova’s release was false.

He remains incarcerated “in the cells of the Provincial Command” of the corporation, a situation confirmed when, during the phone call, Nacute specifically asked us to wait while he inquired into the alleged release the controversial former mayor of Nampula.

After a few minutes, Nacute returned our call and ensured us that Tocova remained in jail. We also tried to contact Manuel Tocova by phone, but his number was off the network at the close of this edition.

Zacarias Nacute did not elaborate on the subject.

Manuel Tocova is therefore not in a position to keep his position as president of the Nampula Municipal Assembly.

Tocova was arrested last Wednesday for the illegal possession of a pistol-type firearm and about 100 rounds of ammunition. He acknowledged that he did not have a license to carry a firearm, an offence carrying a prison term of eight to 12 years.

The pistol in question was leased to Tocova by former Renamo MP, Pedro Maria Hussene.

Renamo says the gun owner is no longer a member

Renamo spokesman Antonio Muchanga told the press that the rental of the firearm was a matter between Tocova and Hussene, both members of the same party, and that the former deputy should be treated as a common citizen, without any connection to Renamo.

“The gun business with Tocova took place between 2014 and 2015, at a time when both [Manuel Tocova and Pedro Hussene] were together in the MDM. Therefore, the rental of the pistol was made between two members of the Mozambique Democratic Movement,” Muchanga said.

The deputy called on the PRM to address the issue of Pedro Maria “as a citizen who rents weapons, and not as a former member of Renamo, because Renamo’s former deputies do not rent weapons to anyone.”

Management commission for Nampula

Due to the arrest of Tocova, which makes it impossible for him to continue to lead the municipality of Nampula, the Ministry of State Administration and Public Administration announced that a management commission would be created to run the city until the midterm election scheduled for January 24 . “There are procedures that will be followed,” the ministry said.

“A member of our ministry will go to Nampula this week to provide support for the municipality to continue to provide services and reach residents,” Carmelita Namashulua, head of the institution, said.

In addition to the interim presidency of the city of Nampula, the local municipal assembly is also vacant, in which context there will this week be a special session for the election of a new president, Tocova having already resigned.

Source: A Verdade