Mozambique Police Officer Sentenced for Kidnapping Lottery Winner

A police officer was convicted for kidnapping a lottery winner in Mozambique. The victim won 4.58 million meticais, leading the kidnappers to demand his winnings. All three were sentenced to 30 years in prison and ordered to compensate the victim. Defence lawyers plan to appeal.

In March, three individuals were convicted of kidnapping, including a member of Mozambique’s Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR). This case is notable as the victim, Alan Boene, was not a businessman but a lottery winner. The incident, reported by independent station STV, highlighted a diversion from typical kidnapping targets.

Alan Boene and his cousin had recently won 4.58 million meticais (approximately $72,000) in the lottery in November 2023. The UIR officer, Eurico Tembe, along with associates Gilberto Mandlate and Sergio Bambo, abducted Boene, demanding that he surrender his winnings for his release.

Unexpectedly, the kidnappers were apprehended by the police, though the method of their capture was not detailed in the report. Following a trial, a Maputo court sentenced all three to 30 years in prison, in addition to imposing a 1.7 million meticais compensation to the victim. Furthermore, the court ordered the forfeiture of the vehicle used in the crime and Tembe’s residence to the state.

The defence lawyers indicated plans to appeal the court’s decision, suggesting further legal proceedings may follow in this case.

The case underscores the shift in kidnapping patterns in Mozambique, where victims are increasingly not just wealthy businessmen. The conviction of a police officer highlights the severe legal repercussions for those involved in such crimes. With appeals expected, the case may continue to influence public and legal discussions regarding crime and enforcement in Mozambique.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com