The National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) in Maputo city has arrested four people belonging to two separate gangs of eight individuals. They are accused of kidnapping, vehicle theft, carrying prohibited weapons and armed robbery.

Four suspects were captured as part of the investigation into the kidnapping that took place last month in the Alto Maé neighborhood, while the others were involved in robberies.

Two pistols and a stolen car were seized from the detainees.

According to SERNIC spokesman Hilario Lole, this is an organized criminal network involving various actors, from the executors to individuals who have "valuable information" about the victims.

"This is a collective made up of several people, many of whom have little or no connection with each other. There is always a split in the chain of kidnappings, to make the investigation process more difficult," explained Lole.

He indicated that three kidnappings had been recorded in Maputo city this year. Although the exact number of detainees was not specified, the spokesman noted that more than four kidnappers had been arrested in the first few months.

Lole stressed that SERNIC has made continuous efforts, in collaboration with other defense and security forces, to reduce the occurrence of this type of crime, covering both the perpetrators and the masterminds. (News)