The son of Mozambique's first president, who is also a senior member of the Frelimo party, has written a new letter in response to the police's position, and makes it clear that he has been a member of the Frelimo party, militating in Cabo Delgado province for the respective brigade, for more than 10 years.

"As a result of my role, I've grown fond of people and I'm constantly receiving information from the province. Some of the information is of regret, some is asking for help, and some is of weeping and despair, like what happened in Chiúre."

"My duty as a citizen in a prominent position is to listen, console and advise. When my sources share information, they don't expect me to denounce them, but rather to take firm action to ensure that these events don't happen again."

"So, as a citizen and human conscience, I want to assure you that the important thing about my previous position is not the numbers, but the facts and concerns that guided the ideals of the struggle for liberation and independence, and which are reflected in the legacy of our national heroes and former fighters of the national struggle and liberation."

"These are the facts, which deserve to be investigated and held accountable. The priority of this investigation, investigation and accountability is for human lives, and not for the words of those who seek to highlight the lack of justice for the loss of these human lives. A single life lost to a bullet should be cause enough for concern. It's worse when that life is a minor, who was being raised by his family with love and hope for his future."

"This episode is a valuable lesson for our democracy, the outcome of which will be revealed in the future. Will our institutions be more agile in trying to hold a simple messenger accountable, or will they (as is to be hoped) be more agile in what really matters with their action, whether it's shedding light on the scourge of kidnappings, organized and installed crime, loss of human life, whether it's in the context of my previous position, or in other contexts."

"I welcome the speed, and I hope that we will continue along this line of clarifying cases for the good of the Mozambican nation. I am firm, serene and, above all, determined, to make my contribution for the good of the nation, which as a citizen and senior member of the Frelimo Party I must make, for the consolidation of the democratic rule of law."

"By defending the pillars that were the principles that determined the National Liberation Struggle, I will continue, tirelessly, to fight for Mozambique to be the nation we all long for, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or party color."

Samora Machel Junior