Director of Mozambique’s Office for Combating Corruption receives death threats

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Director of Mozambique’s Office for Combating Corruption receives death threats

3:05 CAT | 18 Apr 2019

Ana Maria Gemo. File photo: Pagina Global

The director of the Central Office for the Fight against Corruption of Mozambique (GCCC), Ana Maria Gemo, has received anonymous death threats, Notícias, the country’s main daily newspaper, writes today, quoting Gemo herself.

Gemo told Noticias that the death threats began last Sunday, and increased in intensity on Tuesday.

The newspaper, which frequently posts information about GCCC activities, writes that the threats may be from people who are dissatisfied with Ana Gemo’s performance at the head of the institution.

The GCCC is linked to the Attorney General’s Office and has the power to file charges and to order arrests.

In recent months, the fight against corruption in Mozambique has been in the spotlight, with the arrest of important figures linked to the Mozambican Liberation Front (Frelimo), the ruling party, for alleged involvement in corruption.

The eldest son of former Mozambican president Armando Guebuza, Ndambi Guebuza, the former president’s private secretary, Inês Moiane, and two former leaders of the State Information Services (SISE) are among the nine people detained since March for alleged involvement in the ‘ hidden debts’ case.

The PGR has laid charges against 20 ‘arguidos’, ten of whom were subject to coercive measures, including nine who are detained and one awaiting trial on bail.

The 20 are charged with the practice of passive corruption for illicit acts, embezzlement, money laundering, association to commit crimes, abuse of trust and blackmail.

On Tuesday, the Attorney General’s Office announced the arrest of former Labour Minister Helena Taipo and of Mozambican businessman Lucio Sumbana for alleged involvement in corruption.

Source: Lusa