Mozambican boy, 15, found brutally murdered
His 12-year-old friend remains missing after they disappeared from a Sant'Egidio Community program.
A 15-year-old boy, Juvêncio, was found dead with extreme signs of violence in the Matola River on Monday, November 9. He and his 12-year-old friend, Ilton, had disappeared on Saturday, November 7, after attending a Sant’Egidio Community program in Matola. Fishermen discovered Juvêncio’s body, which showed clear evidence of brutality.
Father Rolando Curzi, a priest with the Sant’Egidio Community, stated that the nature of the mutilations suggests the crime may be linked to magical-superstitious practices. Ilton is still missing, and the search continues in Matola. The Sant’Egidio Community is urging authorities to investigate the swift murder of the young peace advocate.
This is the first such case involving children attending the Community’s centre, though similar incidents have occurred involving minors, particularly boys with albinism. The Sant’Egidio Community runs a BRAVO! program for the civil registration of children to provide protection. Their Matola Nutrition Centre feeds about 500 disadvantaged minors weekly and offers educational support to over 100 on Saturdays.
Why it mattersThe Sant'Egidio Community is calling for swift investigation into the brutal murder of a 15-year-old boy and the ongoing search for his 12-year-old missing friend.