Reacting to a social media video shared with Amnesty International, and confirmed by Mozambican police, showing a plain-clothed police officer shooting a man, later identified to be Narciso Castigo Sambo (also known as Macovo), after he had been subdued by other officers in Xinavane district, Maputo province on 18 July, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Tigere Chagutah said:
“The execution-style killing of Macovo, after he had already been restrained, is an egregious contravention of the right to life as enshrined in the Mozambique constitution and international and regional human rights treaties to which Mozambique is a party.
“The announcement of an investigation by the National Criminal Investigation Services (SERNIC) is a step in the right direction towards accountability and justice. Their findings must be made public, and those responsible for carrying out this summary execution must be removed from the line of duty until investigations are concluded.
“This is not an isolated case of unlawful use of force by Mozambique’s police. Amnesty International calls on the authorities to ensure that all previous allegations of violations by law enforcement, including killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and detention, are thoroughly and impartially investigated, and that those responsible are brought to justice.”
Background
On 18 July, members of the Police’s Rapid Intervention Unit were deployed to a liquor store, in Xinavane district, Maputo province, to arrest Macovo, apparently a suspected criminal who was wanted by SERNIC for homicide, sexual assault, robbery and kidnapping. According to the police, the operation was triggered following a public tip-off. During the arrest, although other officers had already restrained him, a plain-clothed officer shot Macovo five times, twice in his upper body and three times in the head. He died instantly.
There have been other cases yet to be investigated where law enforcement officers unlawfully used force resulting in deaths and injuries. Between 21 October 2024 and 16 January 2025, more than 300 people were killed and over 3,000 injured in relation to post-election protests.