Matola, Mozambique – Eight suspects have been detained by the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) in Matola, Mozambique, following the murder of app-based taxi driver, Egas Bié, whose car was later sold after his death.
SERNIC spokesperson Judite Nhanengue confirmed that the arrests were made last Wednesday, with three of the suspects identified as the main perpetrators of the crime, while the remaining five are accused of participating in the sale and purchase of the stolen vehicle.
According to Nhanengue, one of the principal suspects, a 35-year-old bricklayer who occasionally worked as a passenger recruiter, admitted to hiring the victim for a ride that led to his death. The group allegedly attacked Bié at a fuel station before killing him and attempting to sell his vehicle.
Three of the detainees reportedly confessed to the crime, citing greed as their motive. Among the five others, one admitted to being involved in the negotiation to buy the car for about 60,000 meticais at a scrap yard, while others said they had been approached to help with the sale. One suspect maintains his innocence, claiming he was at the scene by coincidence.
Nhanengue said investigations are ongoing, with the recovered vehicle expected to be returned to the family of the deceased. She added that if found guilty, the suspects could face up to 30 years in prison under Mozambique’s Penal Code.
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