CTA condemns kidnapping of businessman

Maputo, 9 Oct (AIM) – The Confederation of Mozambican Business Associations (CTA) has condemned the kidnapping of a Portuguese businessman last Tuesday in downtown Maputo.

The victim, Francisco José Casquinha, owns a company called NBC, which sells car accessories, motorcycles and other vehicles. He was abducted while he was trying to enter his company premises located on Zedequias Manganhela Avenue.

According to a statement from the CTA, kidnappings are continuing to harm the business environment, and so “the CTA expresses its deep concern and vehemently condemns the crime against the businessman. This case joins six other kidnappings recorded this year, still without proper explanation.”

“This crime constitutes a major blow to the economic recovery efforts that investors and businesspeople have been making to lift the country out of the economic slump resulting from vandalism, looting, and destruction of business infrastructure that occurred less than a year ago”, reads the statement, referring to the post-election unrest that followed the proclamation of results from the October general elections widely regarded as fraudulent.

The CTA believes that crimes such as kidnappings scare off businesses who are interested in investing in Mozambique.

“Insecurity and instability are weapons that undermine a healthy and attractive business environment”, reads the CTA statement. “We reaffirm our commitment to continue advocating for a safer Mozambique for the development of entrepreneurial activity and prosperous businesses in a society of social justice and security for all”.

The statement also warns of the spread of acts of terrorism in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.

“But terrorist acts also recently occurred in Memba district, in Nampula province, exacerbating the uncertainty and demotivation among key players in promoting employment and national development”, the organization says.

So far, the police have said nothing about the latest Maputo kidnapping. Like earlier abductions, the victim was seized in broad daylight in a busy street.

The kidnappers’ car then sped off towards the neighbouring city of Matola, and there is no sign that the police made any attempt to intercept the vehicle.

(AIM)
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