Mozambique: Regime to sow 'chaos' in opposition-run areas - Renamo
Screen grab: Presidente Filipe Nyusi / Facebook
Mozambican authorities have detained 38 people involved in the wave of kidnappings in the country, which recorded a total of 13 cases in the same period, President Filipe Nyusi has said.
Of the total of 13 attempted kidnappings registered in this period, seven were consummated and the rest (six) were stopped by the authorities, who managed to rescue at least three people, Filipe Nyusi explained during Heroes’ Day celebrations in Maputo. on Saturday.
“It’s a new type of crime, where criminals study how it should be carried out,” the Mozambican head of state added.
Of the total number of people detained (38), three are from neighbouring South Africa.
According to the Mozambican head of state, police operations during the period secured the release of four captives, as well as the seizure of three firearms, six rounds of ammunition, four vehicles and six cell phones.
“This evil (…) requires the collaboration of everyone, including the families of those affected,” President Nyusi highlighted, adding that, in addition to operational efforts, the Mozambican executive had invested in officer training, international cooperation and strengthening legislation in the face of organised crime.
“Diverse groups have been and continue to be formed outside and within the country,” Nyusi added.
The wave of kidnappings in Mozambique, targeting mainly businesspeople and their families, began in 2011.
After a period of relative stability, further cases have been recorded again in recent years, mainly in provincial capitals, especially Maputo.
The Mozambican authorities have on several occasions acknowledged the involvement of members of the police and magistrates in these crimes, the ramifications of which even extend to neighbouring South Africa, a country with which Mozambique has strong relations.
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