Alleged protest leaders arrested in Metuge

Casas queimadas em Metuge 

Two citizens are currently in custody of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), accused of involvement in violent acts that resulted in the destruction of public and private infrastructure in Metuge district, Cabo Delgado province.

The arrests were presented this Tuesday (16) in the city of Pemba by PRM spokesperson Eugénia Nhamussua.

The incidents occurred on the 10th and 11th of the current month in the localities of Nanlia and Ntocota and were linked to public protests over dissatisfaction with the cholera outbreak reported in the region, as previously reported by Mozanorte.

According to the PRM, a group of individuals went to the Nanlia health post, where they destroyed improvised tents used to attend to patients affected by the disease.

During the action, the protesters allegedly threatened health workers and community leaders, accusing them of being responsible for the spread of cholera. In addition to vandalizing the health facilities, a tent used to shelter patients was set on fire, temporarily disrupting the provision of medical care to the local population.

Following the same events, the residence of the Nanlia locality chief was completely destroyed by fire after being targeted in a similar attack.

Despite the accusations, the two detained citizens deny any involvement in the acts, presenting accounts that place them away from the locations at the time of the incidents.

Mozanorte has learned that one of the detainees is an active member of a political party, and his arrest may be linked to alleged intimidation due to his political activism. (Mozanorte)