THE Mozambican ambassador to South Africa, Fernando Fazena, expressed his concern over a recent ritual killing that took place in Xipurapureni village, Malamulele, and that was allegedly committed by Mozambican nationals.
Speaking on Friday during a visit to the area, the ambassador said ritual killing was not a known practice in Mozambique. He urged all Mozambicans to refrain from this crime or from having anything to do with it.
“This is taboo in Mozambique. I am surprised to hear that some of you have abandoned our culture and ethics, and adopted foreign tendencies that are unheard of in our country,” he told Mozambicans from the area.
“Even our president is worried about this matter,” he continued, adding that Mozambique was fast recovering from the civil war that had wrecked its economy and sent its people seeking refuge in neighbouring countries
“The country is at an advanced stage with its plans to revive mines where our brothers and sister can work,” he said, urging them to vote in Mozambique’s October election if they wanted to see change in their country.
The ritual killing Fazena was referring to took place last month when Amos Hlungwani from Mozambique allegedly approached another Mozambican national in the area and asked if he knew of anyone in need of human parts.
The man, whose name has not been made public as he is currently a state witness in the case, apparently alerted the police who set a trap for Hlungwani, with the help of the unidentified state witness.
Before the trap could be sprung however, Hlungwani and a friend allegedly killed one of Hlungwani’s relatives to harvest body parts.
The suspects then allegedly offered the parts to their “customer” who was actually a police official. During the transaction, Hlungwani became suspicious and fled.
The police are still searching for him.
