The execution of “Formiga,” a PRM agent in Ndlavela, creates a climate of fear in Matola.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the Ndlavela neighborhood in the city of Matola was the scene of a heinous crime that resulted in the death of a man known as "Mosquito," allegedly an agent of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM). The victim was shot more than 30 times by unidentified individuals traveling in two vehicles. Local residents, still in shock, reported waking to the loud noise of gunshots, describing moments of panic and insecurity.

Neighborhood sources say Mosquito was a discreet and uncommunicative person, but he always greeted his neighbors. Despite this, few knew details about his personal or professional life. The suspicion that he was a PRM agent gained strength among residents and was reinforced by unofficial information. However, to date, authorities have not provided formal clarification on the victim's identity or the motive for the crime.

This case joins a series of violent homicides recently recorded in the city of Matola. In June, a Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) officer was killed with approximately 50 bullets in the Nkobe neighborhood. In July, two other officers—one from the PRM and the other from SERNIC—were shot and killed with a total of 54 bullets in the Infulene neighborhood. These events have generated widespread alarm and raised serious questions about the safety of the officers themselves and the general public.

 Mozambican authorities announced that they are investigating the cases and promised a firm response. According to the government spokesperson, specialized brigades are on the ground collecting data and evidence to help identify the perpetrators. However, the lack of arrests to date and the official silence regarding the series of deaths have increased distrust and fear among citizens.

Given this string of murders, suspicions are growing about possible links to organized crime or criminal networks infiltrating the police force. Analysts believe there may be a series of settling of scores or even internal conflicts between officers. The population, in turn, demands urgent responses and concrete measures to restore order, warning that the feeling of insecurity is growing daily in the city of Matola.