One person has been arrested on charges of involvement in the kidnapping that took place on Tuesday on Angola Avenue in Maputo City. The National Criminal Investigation Service says that the accused took part in organizing the crime.

This Friday, the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) presented a young man, 31 years old, who was allegedly involved in organizing the kidnapping of one of the owners of a furniture store on Angola Avenue in Maputo City.

SERNIC's spokesman, Hilário Lole, said that traces of phone calls and messages exchanged with the mastermind of the kidnapping had been found.

"The individual is a criminal and has been in the criminal world for a long time and is well known. This time he was found with signs of involvement in the practice of kidnapping, from the planning, organization, execution and beyond," explained Hilário Lole, SERNIC's spokesperson in Maputo City, adding that the accused was accompanied by three others who are on the run. One of the criminals is South African, according to the spokesman.

For his part, the defendant denied his involvement in the kidnapping.

So far, the National Criminal Investigation Service does not know where the victim is. It does know, however, that the mastermind of the kidnapping is abroad. (O País)