The National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) denies that 35-year-old Helton Rafael, convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend, is a member of the corporation.

According to the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), Rafael is a member of SERNIC. He allegedly murdered Anita Maúngue, 35, on March 9, 2024, in Magude District, Maputo Province. On Tuesday (22), the Maputo Provincial Court sentenced him to 20 years in prison and to pay compensation of 175,000 meticais to the family.

A statement quoted by Success TVSERNIC says that it found out about the citizen's membership of the corporation from some media outlets.

"Helton Rafael is not part of its staff, and much less does the image that relates to said citizen coincide with any employee," it reads.

Meanwhile, the corporation repudiates the act carried out by Helton Rafael; congratulates the court; and condemns deviant behavior among its agents, ensuring disciplinary and criminal measures.