Two citizens were shot dead this morning as a result of the actions of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) in the Casa Branca area, in the Luís Cabral neighborhood, Maputo city.  

The situations occurred when a group of people were organizing themselves to socialize near National Road number 4 (EN4), in the eyes of the UIR.

According to what we heard, the group didn't want the UIR to be there or nearby. Tempers seem to have flared in an attempt to keep the police away, and shots were fired, resulting in death. The Center for Democracy and Human Rights reported on the case, including the moment when the body was removed from EN4 by the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC).

On the other hand, the police chased into the neighborhood some people who were trying to dodge the bullets. Tear gas was even fired into houses. One citizen was shot dead in the alleyways, according to the Decide Electoral Platform.

Today, the city of Maputo woke up without its usual expression of excitement, as a national holiday was declared to celebrate the "true heroes" of the Mozambican people. The total shutdown of activities today was called by the politician and main opponent of the regime, Venâncio Mondlane.