Mozambican government promises “vigorous fight” against kidnappings

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Mozambican government promises “vigorous fight” against kidnappings

11:44 CAT | 19 Nov 2020

Photo: TVM

The Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs of Mozambique, Helena Kida, promised yesterday an “energetic fight” against kidnappings in the country, describing this type of crime as “horrendous”.

“The Police of the Republic of Mozambique, in coordination with other relevant institutions and civil society, is doing and will do everything to vigorously fight kidnappings,” Minister Kida told deputies of the Assembly of the Republic in response to questions.

Kida said that the authorities are “following up” on 13 kidnapping cases recorded from January to October this year and have detained four people, including some who have allegedly confessed to their involvement.

Official figures indicate the occurrence of 11 abductions this year in the country, two less than indicated yesterday by the Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs.

Helena Kida called the abductions “hideous and horrendous”, and said they caused insecurity and panic, especially in the business community, which has been the most targeted.

To combat kidnapping, the government was focusing on strengthening police capacity and providing the corporation with more modern means, the minister continued.

The authorities’ response also includes increased law enforcement in areas most prone to kidnapping and which may be used for holding victims captive, including the deployment of mobile police units to areas without police posts and increasing resources.

On Sunday, Beira businessman was kidnapped in central Maputo, less than a week after the kidnapping of the daughter of the owners of a restaurant in Matola, Maputo province.

In October, a group of Beira entrepreneurs downed tools for three days in protest against the wave of abductions.

The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique, the largest employer association in the country, has on several occasions demanded a more vigorous campaign against this type of crime, with even the Mozambican president, Filipe Nyusi, demanding tougher measures.

Source: Lusa