The Mozambican police have arrested seven individuals, including two police officers, in relation to the kidnapping and murder of an Indian businessman in Chokwe. The victim was abducted on March 3, with a ransom demanded but ultimately murdered. The investigation revealed involvement from various locals, emphasizing issues of corruption and crime within law enforcement.
On Wednesday, the Mozambican police reported the arrest of seven individuals implicated in the kidnapping and murder of an Indian businessman in Chokwe. Zaqueu Mucambe, the spokesperson for the National Criminal Investigation Service (Sernic) in Gaza province, revealed that two of the detained are police officers from Guija district. The 36-year-old victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was abducted by four armed assailants on March 3 after closing his shop on Eduardo Mondlane Avenue.
According to Mucambe, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of two million meticais (approximately 31,000 USD) from the victim’s family, but it is unclear if any ransom was paid. Tragically, the victim was murdered shortly after the ransom request, with his body subsequently discovered in a shallow grave in Chivongoene, Guijá. Following investigations, three kidnappers were apprehended at their residences on Sunday, leading police to both the location where the victim was held and his burial site.
The body was identified by relatives, and a forensic examination is underway to establish the exact cause of death. Altogether, seven individuals have been arrested, including the two police officers, while the remainder comprises local business people, mechanics, and transport operators. Mucambe noted that the officers were motivated by ‘measureless ambition’. All detainees, aged 32 to 45, have denied participating in the crime. One suspect stated, “I sell flip-flops in the Chokwe market. I do not know anything about the crimes they accuse me of,” while another attributed his arrest to a mistakenly identified stolen cell phone used in a crime.
Media attempts to question one of the detained officers were unsuccessful, as he declined to respond. Sernic has confirmed the seizure of firearms, forged documents, and two vehicles allegedly used during the kidnapping from the suspects.
The Mozambican police have made significant arrests in the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping and murder of an Indian businessman in Chokwe. The apprehension of two police officers among the suspects highlights issues of corruption and crime within law enforcement. As investigations continue, the police aim to uncover further details while addressing the motives behind such heinous acts. Overall, this case illustrates the challenges faced by authorities in combating organized crime in the region.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
