Criminals attack home of Matola councillor

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Criminals attack home of Matola councillor

8:10 CAT | 01 Mar 2018

Photo: Folha de Maputo

Unidentified assailants on Monday night attacked the home of Joaquim Mulhovo, the municipal councillor for transport in the southern Mozambican city of Matola.

According to a report by the independent television station STV, the gang entered Mulhovo’s yard shortly before midnight and attacked two cars parked there, one belonging to Matola Council, and the second belonging to Mulhovo’s brother.

They set the cars on fire, by dousing tyres in petrol, putting a match to them and throwing the burning tyres under the vehicles. The fires were put out half an hour later by Mulhovo’s family and neighbours, but by then the cars were seriously damaged, perhaps beyond repair.

The Matola Municipal Police believe that Mulhovo may be paying the price for his fight against corruption. The attack came a week after three staff members in the Matola transport department were arrested for acts of corruption. They were accused of issuing false licences for trucks: 14 trucks with such licences were seized.

Mulhovo had played a key role in dismantling this corrupt scheme, and the attack on his house may be retaliation.

The commander of the municipal police, Abilio Nhabanga, said all lines of investigation are being followed, in cooperation with the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC).

He added that the Council could put guards on Mulhovo’s house, while the campaign against corruption in the transport department is stepped up.

Source: AIM