Mozambican police shoot and kill alleged chicken thief

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Mozambican police shoot and kill alleged chicken thief

3:44 CAT | 02 Jul 2019

Photo: Miramar

Mozambican police have shot and killed a suspected chicken thief in Sussundenga, in the centre of the country, after the man attacked an agent with a machete while resisting capture, an official source said on Tuesday.

Mário Arnança, a spokesman for the Republic of Mozambique Police (PRM) in Manica province, justified the action with the “degree of proportionality of force” used by the aggressor, noting that the 36-year-old man had struck one agent’s neck with a machete and was preparing to hit him again when he was shot.

“We were forced to react to restore order. The intention was not to take his life,” he said.

The suspect attacked after agents discovered stolen goods, including several chickens, at his home, a witness said.

“I was stacking some bricks when the confusion started. Suddenly, I heard a gunshot and someone shouting. As I approached, I saw both neighbour and a policeman on the ground,” Ebris Ezaine told Lusa.

Another witness said the aggressor was known as the “biggest chicken thief” in the area, who was enjoying a period of freedom after a spell in the local jail.

Artur Candonga, secretary of the Nhamizara neighbourhood, said that the search of the attacker’s home took place after complaints from local resident s about repeated robberies.

“The chickens were gone, and the last time I spoke to him, he threatened to kill me,” said Candonga, adding that he had asked the suspect to stop stealing chickens.