The National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) in Zambézia province has apprehended a suspect believed to be the alleged perpetrator of the murder of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Quelimane Diocese, which occurred in the early hours of 6 June 2026.
The suspect, a former member of the Defence Armed Forces of Mozambique (FADM), was reportedly expelled from the military due to allegations of misconduct. During the press briefing, authorities presented the alleged murder weapon along with corresponding ammunition.
According to SERNIC’s spokesperson in Zambézia, the arrest was the outcome of a comprehensive investigation and criminal intelligence efforts that led to the identification and capture of one member of the purported criminal gang. However, other individuals suspected of involvement in the case remain at large.
The spokesperson further revealed that the suspect was detained on 29 October during operations that also uncovered his alleged connections to several monetary transactions with one of the priests currently in custody at the Zambézia Provincial Penitentiary.
As reported by Rádio Quelimane, investigations are ongoing to clarify the circumstances surrounding the crime and to identify other potential accomplices.
The murder of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, which took place at his official residence in Quelimane, has caused widespread shock within the Catholic Church and among the Mozambican public.
