“He was under surveillance by investigative teams after evidence emerged pointing to his potential involvement in the homicide,” said Domingos Barone, head of the Criminalistics Department at the Provincial Directorate of the National Criminal Investigation Service in Zambézia.
The number of people arrested in connection with the June 6, 2026, murder of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso in Quelimane has risen to four, according to the National Criminal Investigation Service.
The newly presented suspect, a 46-year-old man, was taken into custody on October 29 in Zambézia province. Bishop Afonso served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Quelimane and was also the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira, located in the central province of Sofala.
Authorities presented the suspect to the press alongside an AKM firearm, a magazine, and 23 rounds of ammunition. A bullet was found directly in the victim’s heart.
Barone said that electronic devices seized from other detained individuals contained data linking the suspect to the homicide.
Speaking to reporters, the detainee rejected all accusations, claiming he was arrested while in the bathroom of a private residence and that he was psychologically a victim of torture during interrogations.
“It is a lie that I was in Zambia on the run. I did go to Zambia to trade in gemstones. I do not know the weapon, let alone the murdered Bishop. I cannot admit to a crime when I am being tortured,” the suspect said.
Archbishop Saúre recalled the killing during discussions regarding the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique, noting that to this day, everything surrounding the death of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso remains an enigma following the barbaric and cowardly attack in Quelimane last June.