Mozambique: Over 300 police officers expelled in 2020

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Mozambique: Over 300 police officers expelled in 2020

10:14 CAT | 05 Jan 2021

Bernardino Rafael. [File photo: Noticias]

A total of 326 police officers were expelled from the force in 2020 for their involvement in crimes, said the commander-general quoted by the press.

“Purification of the ranks is a fundamental weapon to have a pure institution that does not tarnish its good image. We will continue to purify and expel those who cannot march with us,” said commander-general Bernardino Rafael, quoted on Monday by the daily Notícias.

For the commander-general, the police were involved in robberies and armed robberies, among other crimes.

“I am sad when crimes are committed by the police. I want this behaviour to change. The police should not increase crime rates,” he said.

In addition to expelled officers, there were also 360 promoted for doing a good job, to who the commander-general said, “teach your colleagues, especially those who want to deviate from the principles that guide the corporation, to follow your example”.

In June 2020, the Judicial Court of Gaza Province, southern Mozambique, sentenced six officers from the Rapid Intervention Unit to between three and 24 years in prison for their involvement in the October 2019 murder of election observer Anastácio Matavel.

In addition to the conviction of the police, in 2020 the corporation was also marked by the arrest of officers accused of fatally shooting citizens, allegedly for violation of the state of emergency.

The cases were repudiated by civil society organisations, which called for the state to be held accountable, as provided for in the constitution.

Source: Lusa