Mozambique police accused of starting fire that claimed nearly 50 lives
Families in Benfica, just outside the capital city of Maputo, say police in Mozambique need to be held accountable for allegedly starting a warehouse fire that claimed the lives of close to 50 people.
Mozambican riot police monitor the streets of the Xiquelene neighborhood in Maputo on November 6, 2024. Picture: AFP/ Alfredo Zuniga
MAPUTO - While calm has been restored to parts of Mozambique, following months of politically-fuelled unrest, questions of accountability linger.
More than 100 people lost their lives in violent clashes with police and military following an uprising against the ruling Frelimo party.
Families in Benfica, just outside the capital city of Maputo, say police in Mozambique need to be held accountable for allegedly starting a warehouse fire that claimed the lives of close to 50 people.
A warehouse in Benfica was gutted by a fire on Christmas Eve which was allegedly started by police.
Sixty-five-year-old Domingo Mantsensa lost his 29-year-old son, Agusto, in the fire.
"The police came and threw gas inside and the store caught fire. It’s almost 50 people died inside."
He said he doesn’t believe the ruling party Frelimo rightfully won the elections and he doesn’t see a good future under their leadership.
"My son was a good man. He was a guy who worked for his family but today I am here, so what can I say about Mozambique? That is difficult to explain about a future for Mozambique."
On Wednesday, Frelimo presidential-elect, Daniel Chapo, was inaugurated at Independence Square in Maputo.