The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) says it is concerned about the worsening and lack of clarification about the wave of kidnappings of businesspeople at national level, especially in the city of Maputo.

"We believe that profound changes need to be made both in the approach of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) against this evil, as well as in the current legal framework, making its penal framework more severe and without the possibility of bail," suggests the CTA.

Entrepreneurs advocate harsh penalties to discourage this practice, which tends to grow over time.

"Otherwise, criminals will continue to feel some comfort in the cost/benefit binomial. We need to pass on the information that the state and society do not tolerate this type of legal crime," the businessmen stress.

The CTA also says that it's frightening that these crimes are taking place on the outskirts of the capital city, where the PRM is supposed to be most active, but the criminals are demonstrating that they can operate freely and in broad daylight.

Entrepreneurs believe that this situation cannot continue as it is, as it has an extremely negative impact on the country's economic fabric, as well as negatively affecting the decisions of potential investors, inducing capital outflows, reflected in the loss of jobs and the ability to generate income.

"In addition, the occurrence of kidnappings makes our country unsafe for attracting tourism," say the entrepreneurs.

Within the framework of the Public-Private Dialogue, the CTA reiterates its commitment to continue its tireless dialogue with the government to identify harmonized approaches in the search for solutions that contribute to mitigating this phenomenon and others that affect public tranquillity and security.

"It is also necessary to rethink the PRM and FDS approach to combating kidnappings. The private sector continues to believe that the proposal for the effective operationalization of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other proposals submitted to the government are the starting point for eradicating this phenomenon that has impacted the country's business environment," said the CTA