An agent of the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) in Maputo province, identified as Dick Manhiça, has been detained for around three years for refusing to protect drug cartels in the town of Namaacha.

According to a Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD)Manhiça has taken part in operations to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in the country, dismantling clandestine drug factories operated by foreign cartels and arresting international criminals. It has also rescued kidnap victims.

The CDD says that the agent began to suffer harassment and accusations after questioning his District Director about the reasons for ordering him not to refer the case of the dismantling of a drug unit in Namaacha, in which Dick Manhiça took part, to the Public Prosecutor's Office.

"In 2021, Manhiça was arrested and remained in custody for months, while some of the international criminals arrested with him, including the foreigners from the drug factory in Namaacha, were released on bail."

"Three years after Manhiça's arrest, an investigating judge at the Maputo City Judicial Court dismissed him for lack of evidence linking him to the crimes of drug trafficking, kidnapping and gang formation."

"However, to his astonishment, he was accused of committing the crime of entering another person's home, as well as abuse of power, and was sent to the Civil Prison, where he was to await the outcome of the case in pre-trial detention."

Manhiça is now in B.O., the country's maximum security penitentiary.