Niassa: Crime in Mecanhelas: unknown individuals assault trader's residence and steal over 30 thousand meticais

 

A group of criminals invaded and robbed a residence, taking about 30 thousand meticais, in the village of Nawanje, in the municipal town of Insaca, in Mecanhelas. In addition to the robbery, the assailants attacked the victim.

It's another crime that's faces Mecanhelas in Niassa province in northern of Mozambique.

The crime occurred around midnight on Sunday (05/01). About 16 men, armed with sharp objects, broke into the residence, assaulted the victim with machete blows to the head, and stole the money, which came from the sale of corn.

"They broke down the door and entered. First, they hit me, demanding money. When I went to get the money, they struck me three times on the head with a machete. They stole about 35 thousand meticais. I think they knew I sold corn, that's why they showed up. They were armed with machetes, an ax, iron bars, and stones. My wife, when she tried to scream, was grabbed by the throat," reported Francisco Eusébio, the victim.

The neighbors, upon hearing the screams, ran to the scene but could not enter the yard, which was surrounded by the assailants. The criminals threatened to kill anyone who approached.

"When we heard it, we ran there. We couldn't get in, they were saying they could cut us with machetes. There were many men, some inside the yard, others inside the house. We started throwing stones and they fled," said a neighbor.

 

The victim was rescued during the night and taken to the district health center, located about 5 km from the crime scene.

Angelino Rufino, the district's chief medical officer, confirmed the patient's admission and reported that he had been discharged and was out of danger.

"He arrived with multiple injuries, but fortunately, they were not fatal or serious. The necessary care was provided and the patient, in a stable condition, was discharged," he informed.

The district command of the Mozambique Police (PRM) did not provide details about the case, claiming that it is the responsibility of the provincial command to make statements to the press. However, it informed that an operations team is in the field. (Jamie Paculeque)