MAPUTO, TWO Mozambican senior police officers have been suspended after law enforcers’ implication in the murder of an election observer this week.<\/P>
Police chief, Bernardino Rafael, ordered the suspensions after it emerged some officers were allegedly behind the killing of Anastancio Matavele, director of the Forum of Non-governmental Organisations for Gaza (FONGA).<\/P>
Alfredo Macuacua, commander of the Riot Police of Gaza, and Tudelo Guirrugo, head of the Special Forces in the province, have been suspended.<\/P>
It is alleged the officers under their command shot at Matavele’s car as he drove after a training session for election observers in the southern Xai-Xai city.<\/P>
Dewa Mavhinga, Southern Africa director at Human Rights Watch (HRW), said authorities should ensure a prompt and impartial investigation to ensure justice for Matavele and accountability for those responsible.<\/P>
The apparent involvement of police in killing an election observer is a chilling development that casts a dark shadow over the Mozambican elections, he said.<\/P>
Orlando Mudumane, Mozambican police spokesperson, was quoted as saying police were investigating five occupants of a vehicle from which bullets were allegedly fired.<\/P>
Four of the men, he said, were members of the national police force.<\/P>
Two of them were killed on the spot as the vehicle crashed as it sped away after Matavele was shot.<\/P>
A third man was receiving medical treatment after police officers detained him. Two other occupants of the car fled the scene.<\/P>
An escalation of violence is threatening national elections scheduled for Tuesday next week.<\/P>
<\/P>
Source: CAJ News Agency <\/P>
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