Mozambique police arrest sixth suspect in bishop's murder
A former soldier expelled for crimes is accused of carrying out the killing of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso.
Mozambican police presented a sixth suspect on November 12 in connection with the June 6 murder of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso. The man, a former member of the Defence and Security Forces expelled for crimes, was arrested on October 29 in Zambézia province. Authorities stated he is believed to be the individual who physically carried out the assassination using an AKM firearm.
Domingos Barone, head of SERNIC's Criminalistics Department in Zambézia, said the suspect, also a former border police officer, was monitored after evidence linked him to the crime. The police presented an AKM firearm, a magazine, and 23 rounds of ammunition, which they believe will help clarify the case. The suspect allegedly buried the weapon after the murder and fled to Zambia, returning two months later.
Barone also indicated that other suspects are at large, and efforts are underway to locate them. The arrested individual reportedly maintained friendly relations with another suspect believed to be the intellectual instigator of the crime. Investigations suggest financial transfers occurred between them in May and June 2026.
Why it mattersThe arrest of a sixth suspect, believed to be the direct perpetrator, brings Mozambican authorities closer to solving the murder of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso.