Beira, Mozambique — In a troubling case that has captured national attention, a former police officer has been accused of murdering a pregnant woman and misleadingly positioning her death as a suicide. This alarming incident sheds light on serious concerns regarding personal and professional conduct within law enforcement communities.
The victim, identified as 28-year-old Celina Mabunda, was reportedly eight months pregnant when she tragically passed in her home under circumstances that initially appeared to be suicide. However, as investigators peeled back layers of the case, details emerged that led to a dramatically different narrative.
Authorities were alerted to the crime following reports from concerned relatives who questioned the initial ruling of suicide. Their doubts were justified when an autopsy revealed injuries inconsistent with self-harm, redirecting the spotlight onto Celso Almeida, the accused and a former associate of Mabunda in the local police department.
Emerging evidence suggests that Almeida, who had previously served with the local police force, might have engineered the scene to conceal his alleged crime. The forensic team disclosed findings of manual strangulation, a detail that critically undermined the suicide theory.
“The physical evidence collected from the scene does not corroborate the characteristics of a self-inflicted death,” stated Forensic Expert Luis Fonseca. “Instead, it strongly supports the hypothesis that the deceased was forcefully subdued and fatally injured.”
According to investigative reports, Mabunda and Almeida were recently involved in a personal relationship, which adds a layer of complexity to the motive behind the crime. Colleagues and friends described their relationship as “tense” and “volatile,” with frequent disagreements that had escalated in the months leading to Mabunda’s death.
Community reactions have been of shock and outrage, accompanied by a demand for justice and increased scrutiny of police conduct. Local resident Anesu Matope expressed his distress, saying, “We trust the police to protect us, not to break the law themselves. It’s horrifying to think that an officer could do something like this.”
This incident has ignited calls from civic leaders and human rights organizations for more stringent screening and mental health support for law enforcement personnel. Morgado Silva, a spokesperson for a local human rights group, emphasized the critical need for transparency and accountability. “We need to ensure that our officers carry not just the badge but also the integrity and mental stability to wield it responsibly,” Silva remarked.
As the case unfolds, it remains under thorough investigation with Almeida facing charges of murder. The next court appearance is slated later this month, where prosecutors are expected to present a case that could illuminate more distressing details of this tragic event.
Celina Mabunda’s family has sought privacy during this time, expressing their grief through a family spokesperson who called for “justice for Celina and her unborn child.” Meanwhile, the community remains vigilant, hoping for truth and justice to prevail in the face of such devastating circumstances.