A 29-year-old man was arrested in Matatara, Rapale district, Nampula province, for attempting to sell his 18-year-old nephew for 50,000 meticais.

The case took place on June 11 and was confirmed by the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), which intervened after an anonymous tip from members of the community.

According to SERNIC spokeswoman Enina Tsinine, quoted by the Rigor newspaperThe suspect was caught red-handed during the negotiation process. "Although the defendant claims that he was only trying to get his nephew a job in agriculture, the investigations point to a deliberate attempt to sell the young man. The initial complaint indicated that the suspect was looking for a buyer in order to complete the sale."

The authorities are taking steps to identify the alleged buyer, who has not yet been located. SERNIC considers the case to be serious and indicative of individuals with information and the intention of exploiting human beings, even if they have no known history of trafficking. The accused is being held in Rapale penitentiary.

(Photo DR)