The National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) has issued international arrest warrants for three Mozambican citizens identified as the masterminds of kidnapping crimes in Mozambique.

The SERNIC spokesman said he has information that these same individuals are in South Africa and that work is therefore underway with the authorities of that neighboring country, including Interpol.

On the other hand, SERNIC says it is working to neutralize the individuals who kidnapped a 24-year-old citizen, the son of a businessman of Asian origin, on Monday morning (05) in Maputo city center. The crime took place near his home when he was on his way to work.

"We are gathering all the evidence and all the facts on the ground that can lead us to clarifying the facts, as well as rescuing the victim," he said, quoted by Rádio Moçambique. Lole noted that, for the time being, the period after the crime occurred is still too early to go into the details of the investigations. "In due course we will be able to bring back the progress of the investigations that are underway."

Hilário Lole also said that in Maputo city there are more than 20 people convicted of kidnapping crimes.

"We have cases that have already been investigated. They have already been referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office for prosecution and subsequent trial. We also have individuals who have already been presented several times by SERNIC in Maputo city, and who have already been convicted and tried, and are serving sentences for committing these crimes. We can estimate that there are more than 20 individuals who have already been convicted of kidnapping crimes," he said.