Chapo appeals to the people of Matutuíne: "No one can take justice into their own hands."

Head of State inaugurates Judicial Court and calls for rejection of violence, recourse to the courts and a culture of peace during a three-day visit to Maputo province.

The President of the Republic, Daniel Francisco Chapo, appealed this Wednesday to the population of the Matutuíne district, in Maputo province, to resort to the courts in resolving conflicts, rejecting violence and taking justice into their own hands. The appeal was made during a public rally that followed the inauguration of the District Judicial Court building, on the first day of his working visit to the province.

On that occasion, the Head of State stressed that the commissioning of the new infrastructure represents an important step towards promoting peace and justice, by providing citizens with a dedicated space to voice their concerns and resolve disputes.

“We are also sending a signal that no one can solve problems or take justice into their own hands,” Chapo stated, arguing that conflicts should be referred to the appropriate institutions, rather than being resolved through violent acts.

The President warned that disagreements between people are natural, but do not justify the destruction of property or physical aggression. "No one can solve problems with violence. No one can solve problems by destroying people's property. No one can take justice into their own hands," he cautioned.

Chapo encouraged citizens not to be afraid to appear in court when summoned, reminding them that the presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of the judicial process.

"Because before going to court, there is what is called the presumption of innocence. No one is guilty before the trial," he declared, adding that going to court constitutes an opportunity for those who are not guilty to demonstrate their innocence.

Chapo further emphasized that the trial is the moment when evidence is produced and analyzed, allowing each citizen the opportunity to demonstrate their innocence. "It's important to understand that until the trial, where evidence is presented, a person is considered innocent," he reinforced.

The Head of State considered that the promotion of justice must go hand in hand with peace and security, conditions he pointed out as indispensable to the country's development. He warned that no citizen is authorized to assault or kill their fellow human being and remain unpunished.

Daniel Chapo also appealed for the promotion of peaceful coexistence among Mozambicans with different opinions, political parties, and religions, advocating for the fight against hate speech and violence, as well as respect for state institutions and organs of sovereignty.

"Let's cultivate a culture of peace. And we must be aware that each one reaps what they sow," he appealed.

The inauguration of the Matutuíne District Court is part of a three-day presidential visit to Maputo province, dedicated to local, participatory, and inclusive governance. During the visit, the President intends to listen to the concerns of the communities and follow up on matters related to local development.