Africa-Press – Mozambique. The Mozambican Police (PRM) have announced that the four individuals shot dead on Friday morning, in the southern Mozambican city of Matola, were criminals who intended to rob a construction company.
According to Police spokesperson, Cláudio Hulele, speaking to reporters at a press conference, “one the victims was identified as Rachid Amade Khan. He was involved in kidnappings. The three other victims were escapees from Maputo Central Prison.”
“We are still working to confirm the identity of all these individuals. What is important to note is that a few metres away, we found a bag containing two AK-47 rifles and two pistols, as well as magazines. We believe that these firearms were used by the criminals in their activities”, he said.
The spokesperson explained that the individuals were part of a criminal gang “and were surprised as they were preparing to carry out a crime. When they realized the presence of the police operational force, they opened fire on the police officers, sparking off a confrontation which resulted in the death of the four.”
Hulele denied the rumours that this case may be related to the recent murders of against police officers. On Wednesday, two senior police officers were shot dead by so far unknown criminals, also in Matola.
Hulele also denied claims that a fifth criminal had escaped and that a civilian had been injured in the shootout. The police had no record of a fifth bandit or of any civilian casualties.
“We shall continue working to guarantee public safety and tranquillity”, he promised. “We repeat our appeal to the public to denounce any suspicious activities”.
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