Mozambique: Investigators present three alleged kidnappers after new crime wave
Police arrest alleged leader of gang behind kidnappings in central Mozambique
1:59 CAT | 22 Apr 2022
In file CoM
The National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNICc) in Beira city, central Mozambique, announced on Thursday the arrest of the suspected leader of one of the gangs behind the kidnappings in Sofala province.
“This individual was arrested on April 19, 2022, pursuant to a search and arrest warrant issued by the Judicial Court of Sofala Province. He is charged with several crimes, including kidnapping and aggravated robbery,” SERNIC spokesperson Alfredo Sitoe told the media.
Sitoe revealed that the suspect had been convicted of another crime and served his sentence, being released last December.
In addition to organising kidnappings, police say the suspect organised robberies at commercial establishments.
“He is the only one who has always sought to indicate commercial establishments that handle large amounts of money and, therefore, communicated to his group for them to carry out the robbery,” Sitoe said, adding that one of these crimes involved the fatal shooting of a Chinese citizen.
Some Mozambican cities, including the country’s capital, have been plagued since 2020 by a renewed wave of kidnappings, targeting mainly businessmen or their families.
In November, 2021, the Mozambique police commenced the formation of a mixed force targeting this type of crime, the officers of which will be trained by Rwandan experts.
Source: Lusa
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