Senior government officials detained in Gaza for allegedly diverting donations intended for flood victims

The detention of the Administrator of the Xai-Xai District, Argilência Chissano, and the Director of the Office of the Governor of Gaza Province, Dora Artur, was confirmed by the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), in connection with a case related to the alleged diversion of food products intended for families affected by the recent floods.

The arrests resulted from an investigation launched following reports of missing goods stored in the Xai-Xai district government warehouse. According to the SERNIC spokesperson in Gaza, Zaqueu Mucambe, the investigations yielded sufficient evidence to justify the authorities' intervention.

During the operation, various quantities of food products valued at over 350,000 meticais were seized, which should have been distributed to populations in situations of extreme vulnerability. Among the goods were essential products included in humanitarian aid packages intended for flood victims.

According to SERNIC (National Criminal Investigation Service), there is strong evidence that the products were removed from the formal distribution channel, in violation of established procedures for managing donations. The investigations are ongoing to determine the final destination of the goods and whether the suspects or third parties directly benefited from the procedure.

Authorities acknowledge that the alleged scheme may involve other officials or collaborators, and the possibility of further arrests as the investigation progresses is not ruled out. The case is considered particularly sensitive, given the involvement of public officials and the social impact of the alleged crime.

Meanwhile, a warehouse worker was also arrested on Monday in the Chibuto district, also in Gaza province, suspected of participating in a similar scheme to divert donations intended for humanitarian assistance.

The case is generating strong public outrage at a time when numerous families continue to face difficulties resulting from the floods and depend on institutional support for their livelihood.

The detainees are at the disposal of the justice system for the appropriate legal procedures, while investigations continue with a view to fully clarifying the facts and determining responsibility.