Maputo, 9 Mar (AIM) – Unknown assailants kidnapped and shot dead a 40-year-old businessman on Sunday in Mazivila Administrative Post, Bilene district, in the southern Mozambican province of Gaza.
The victim’s body, which showed signs of torture and mutilation, was found in a wooded area in Dledlelane neighborhood.
According to a radio report, the businessman, who has not been named, used to sell vehicle accessories in Macia town.
During his captivity, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of over one million meticais (15,600 US dollars at the current exchange rate) but only 250,000 meticais were paid.
Witnesses also indicated that the criminals were traveling in a Toyota Ractis. They forced the victim to contact friends to sell a truck for a price below market value.
A multi-sectoral team from the country’s National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) carried out forensic examinations at the scene before handing the body over to the family.
This murder exacerbates the climate of terror that has gripped Macia in recent days. The region has been the target of a wave of violent crime, with kidnappers demanding large sums of money.
(AIM)
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