Soldiers detained in Maputo for illegal possession of weapons and suspected involvement in a robbery ring

Two Mozambican soldiers were arrested by the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) in the Maxaquene neighborhood of Maputo, accused of illegal possession of a firearm and strongly suspected of being part of a gang dedicated to armed robberies.

At the time of their arrest, the individuals were in possession of a loaded weapon with three rounds of ammunition, and were unable to provide any legal justification for carrying it.

The police action was triggered after an anonymous tip alerted authorities to the suspicious behavior of the two men. According to the PRM (Mozambique Police), the officers are now being investigated for potential links to a series of robberies that have occurred in recent weeks at residences and commercial establishments in the capital. According to police sources, the crimes were committed using firearms.

On the other hand, the detainees deny any involvement in criminal activities. They claim they were merely passing through the Maxaquene area and that the weapon belonged to a third individual, not yet identified. However, the authorities consider these justifications implausible and assure that investigations are ongoing to clarify all aspects of the case.

In a statement, the PRM Command in Maputo classified the case as worrying, especially since it involves members of the Defense and Security Forces themselves, whose primary mission is to guarantee public order. The institution also highlighted that the collaboration of citizens, such as the report that led to this arrest, is fundamental in the fight against crime, appealing to the population to maintain this vigilant posture.

Currently, the two soldiers are in pre-trial detention, awaiting further legal proceedings.