Maputo, 21 Sept (AIM) – The Secretary of State for the northern Mozambican province of Niassa, Silva Livone, calls on the country’s Attorney General’s Office (PGR) to step up efforts to prevent vigilantism, at a time when the province continues recording cases of mob violence fueled by rumors and unproven suspicions.
Speaking on Saturday at the meeting marking the 37th anniversary of PGR establishment, Livone drew particular attention to recent episodes of violence in the province linked to rumors regarding the alleged harvesting of human parts in schools and supposed mysterious theft or shrunk of penises of their victims.
The rumour first appeared on 18 April in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. This was the worst affected province, but the disinformation had also spread across the country.
The Secretary of State emphasized that situations of this nature require a response based on prevention, public awareness, and reliance on legally established institutions, thereby preventing suspicions or rumors from triggering acts of violence against citizens.
Livone therefore advocated for strengthening community awareness campaigns to explain to citizens that any suspicious situation should be reported to the competent authorities and the justice system.
“Prevention must play a central role in protecting communities and upholding the rule of law, with public institutions needing to engage more closely with citizens to clarify doubts, discourage violent practices, and promote the use of legal mechanisms”, he said.
According to Livone, justice should be administered by competent institutions rather than by groups of citizens driven by suspicions, accusations, or rumors.
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