Mozambique: Portuguese national kidnapped and killed in Maputo

Event

According to Portuguese authorities, a Portuguese businessman was abducted by an organized crime group in the capital Maputo at an unspecified date and found dead in the outskirts of the city on Sunday, November 11, despite a ransom being paid for his release. The reason behind the kidnapping remains unknown; an investigation is ongoing.

Context

Kidnappings remain a regular occurrence in and around Maputo; however, the majority are related to existing disputes and are not opportunistic in nature. Nonetheless, there has been a noteworthy increase in rates of kidnapping for ransom in the country recently.

Advice

Due to the risk of kidnapping and high crime rates more generally, visitors to Mozambique are advised to maintain a low profile at all times, to be particularly vigilant after dusk, and to avoid traveling by foot at night. Drive with windows closed, doors locked, and with all valuables hidden from sight. Keep in mind that criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye. Alert consular authorities to any suspicious behavior.

More generally, individuals are advised to avoid nonessential road travel outside urban centers in central Mozambique and to cooperate with authorities at checkpoints (always carry current identification and vehicle documentation with you).