Police seize seven tonnes of stolen auto parts

Maputo, 1 Mar (AIM) – The Mozambican police announced on Saturday the seizure of 70 tonnes of stolen car parts from two informal markets in Maputo, and one in the neighbouring city of Matola.

According to the spokesperson for the National Criminal Investigation Service (Sernic), Hilario Lole, agents from Sernic and from the police force (PRM) struck against the Estrela Vermelha and Bull Ring markets in Maputo, and the Majugar area of Matola.

It has been known for decades that these markets are where thieves sell headlamps, mirrors and other accessories stolen from parked vehicles. The police are well aware of this racket, but until now they had done nothing to stop it: indeed, it is widely assumed that corrupt police officers are working together with the thieves.

Lole told reporters that the police went into action because of the growing number of complaints about the theft of parts from their vehicles.

“As we all know”, he said, “motorists from Maputo city and province have been the victims of theft of accessories, such as headlights and wing mirrors, taken from their vehicles when they are parked. These goods are then taken to the markets to be sold. So, warrants were issued to search these places and seize stolen goods”.

“Today we have seized more than 70 tonnes of vehicle parts and accessories”, Lole said.

The spokesperson for the General Command of the police, Leonel Muchina, said that the rightful owners of the stolen parts can recover them, if they can show some proof that they were indeed stolen.

This means that they must have made a complaint to the police at the time of the theft. Without this evidence, they will not be able to recover their property.

Muchina said that, during the raids, some arrests were made, but he did not reveal how many.

He promised that the police action will continue “to discourage the informal market in stolen parts, and guarantee public order and security”.
(AIM)
Pf/ (335)