A police officer in Mozambique, Eurico Tembe, and two associates were sentenced to 30 years in prison for kidnapping a lottery winner, Alan Boene, who had recently won 4.58 million meticais. The court also ordered compensation to the victim and forfeiture of the vehicle and property involved in the crime. The defence plans to appeal the verdict.
A member of Mozambique’s Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), along with two accomplices, received 30-year prison sentences for their role in a kidnapping case. The incident was noteworthy as it involved the abduction of a lottery winner, rather than the typical targets being businessmen. This marked a rare occurrence in such criminal cases.
In November 2023, the victim, Alan Boene, won a substantial lottery prize of 4.58 million meticais, approximately 72,000 US dollars, along with his cousin. The UIR officer, Eurico Tembe, together with associates Gilberto Mandlate and Sergio Bambo, kidnapped Boene and demanded the lottery winnings for his release.
However, the three perpetrators were apprehended by the police during the course of their crime, though the details of their capture remain unspecified. As a result, a Maputo court imposed 30-year prison sentences on each of them and ordered a compensation payment of 1.7 million meticais to the victim. Moreover, the court ruled that the vehicle used in the abduction and Tembe’s house would be forfeited to the state. The defence is appealing the decision.
In conclusion, the case illustrates not only the dangers of crime targeting civilians, such as lottery winners, but also the commitments of the Mozambican judiciary in dealing with such offenses. The lengthy prison sentences reflect a strong stance against kidnapping, and the additional penalties emphasize support for victims. As the defendants prepare to appeal, the incident highlights the complexities within the justice system in Mozambique.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
