The number of individuals detained in connection with the murder of the late Bishop of Quelimane, Dom Osório Citora Afonso, which took place on 6 June this year at his episcopal residence, has risen from four to five. Those detained include two priests, a security guard from the Diocese of Quelimane and two civilians.
The number of arguidos (individuals formally designated as suspects in the Mozambican judicial system) has also risen from four to five. However, five months after the crime, the circumstances surrounding the murder of Dom Osório Citora Afonso remain unclear.
The information was provided by the Provincial Chief Prosecutor of Zambézia, Freddy Jamal, who assured that work was continuing to establish the circumstances of the case, which shook the Catholic Church and provoked outrage in Mozambican society.
“Fortunately, the extension of the pre-trial detention period gives us greater peace of mind in carrying out our work properly, since the periods have been extended to 12 months. Work is under way to identify the actual perpetrators. This matter is of considerable concern to us, and we are keen to establish who committed this crime,” he said, assuring that everything possible would be done to clarify the case.
The five arguidos are being held at the Zambézia Provincial Penitentiary while judicial proceedings continue.
This case continues to raise questions and public concern, particularly over the delay in establishing the circumstances surrounding the murder of Bishop Citora Afonso.
Questioned by the press on Thursday, on the occasion of celebrations marking the Day of Legality, the magistrate assured that the case was still under way, but declined to provide further details about the investigation.
On the same occasion, the Provincial Chief Prosecutor urged members of civil society to apply to join the criminal proceedings as assisting parties (to be constituidos assistentes under Mozambican law), so that they could follow judicial developments and contribute information that might help clarify the murder of Dom Osório Citora Afonso.
By Jorge Marcos
Source: O País
