The odissey of Manica’s fertilizer thieves – Mozambique

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The odissey of Manica’s fertilizer thieves – Mozambique

4:34 CAT | 03 Nov 2016

Four people have been detained since Monday at the district command of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) in Gondola district, Manica province, on charges of stealing 30 tons of bulk fertilizer.

They are João Alfredo, alleged owner of the fertilizer, Neto António, driver, Migue João and Ernesto Chancadeia, warehouse managers, all involved in the theft of fertilizer being was carried by long-haul truck to Chimoio.

Information obtained by AIM indicate that, after leaving the port of Beira in Sofala province, the product was diverted on National Road 6 in order for it to be sold in markets in Chimoio and in Vanduzi district, Manica province.

The compost belonged to a fertilizer company based in Gondola district.

A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry in Manica, Elcídia Philip, announced the arrest to reporters, saying that the individuals were taken into custody after the disappearance of the product was reported.

“The product was transferred from the truck into a light vehicle and transported to a warehouse in Gondola district. We became aware of this fact and mounted a search that led to the recovery of fertilizer and seizure of the vehicle that was used to load the goods,” Philip said.

“Four people have been detained in connection with this case,” she said, adding that this is not the first time that the individuals had engaged in these activities. She said that the police were working to determine whether there were other people involved.

“The investigations are continuing to investigate the facts. If there are other people involved in this crime, they will certainly be held accountable,” she said.
Meanwhile, João Alfredo, supposed owner of the goods and brains behind the operation, denies that the fertilizer has been taken from a truck ion the EN6. He said he bought the fertilizer in the informal market in Beira (Sofala) from some ladies to resell in Chimoio and in Vanduzi district.

“I did not steal it. There are ladies who sell fertilizer in the city of Beira. I bought it to re-sell. I was surprised when the police came and say that it was stolen goods,” Alfredo explained, saying the product had not yet been claimed.

“This is the second time I’ve done this kind of business. The first time went very well. Nobody has said anything has even been stolen. I’m surprised because I bought the five-litre cans for 20 or 30 meticais. I didn’t steal anything,” he said.

Source: AIM Moçambique