Maputo, 1 Aug (AIM) – The Mozambican Police (PRM) has detained, in Inhagoia neighbourhood, in Maputo city, five South Africans allegedly involved in kidnappings, who were found in possession of two firearms and 29 rounds of ammunition.
According to the Maputo City police spokesperson, Leonel Muchina, the individuals, who are all brothers, were caught at around 13.00 last Sunday, while travelling to a traditional ceremony in Magude district, in Maputo province.
“The weapons in their possession are not intended for self-defense. The permitted caliber for self-defense is 7.65 and these weapons are 9 millimeters, which means they are extremely powerful weapons”, Muchina said. “So, once they enter Mozambican territory, they are already illegal and carrying these weapons is not authorized for private individuals”.
Muchina explained that only the Mozambican defence and security forces are allowed to use the type of firearms that the individuals were carrying.
“Any individual wishing to enter the country with a firearm must have prior authorization”, he said.
The five brothers, according to the spokesperson, will continue to be detained throughout the investigation process, “because they are suspected of involvement in the kidnappings that have been taking place in the country.”
According to the Confederation of Business Associations (CTA), since the first case of kidnapping was reported 12 years ago, over 100 business people, most of them of Asian origin, have left the country because of insecurity.
(AIM)
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