The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) have captured one of the suspects in a violent murder case in Viqueque municipality.
PNTL Second General Commander of PNTL Commissioner Faustino da Costa said that the teacher, who was murdered and buried behind his own house, may have been the victim of organized crime.
“The [victim’s] body is currently in the mortuary and an autopsy is being carried out,” he said.
Thee Commissioner said the murder victim’s wife had also been a victim of foul play.
After spending months looking for her husband, she too was kidnapped and buried alive, with only her head left above ground and covered by leaves.
Community members found her on December 5, 2016 and reported the case to the police.
The teacher’s wife survived the ordeal, but is undergoing treatment at the Baucau referral hospital.
Commander da Costa said investigations are still ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the case
Meanwhile, Viqueque Police Commander Superintendent Antoninho Mauluta alleged there may be many more suspects involved in the murder of the teacher.
“It is our hope that they will all be captured,” he said.
The Public Ministry is also yet to issue an order in relation to the case.
National MP Francisco da Costa has urged the police to make all efforts to find the other suspects and bring them to justice.
“I think this (case) is too much and the police must find the other suspects,” he said.
