On March 5, 2025, Alcina Nhaume, a 31-year-old fashion designer, was shot in the face while working in her studio in Maputo, Mozambique. Security forces, responding to protests in the Michafutene area, opened fire. A bullet pierced a metal barrier and struck Alcina, leaving her with severe injuries.
Doctors say she will never speak again or eat normally unless she receives specialized surgery abroad. Despite promises from authorities to investigate, no one has been held accountable. Alcina remains in critical condition in the hospital, waiting for justice.
It’s time to demand action. Authorities must ensure accountability and provide Alcina with the medical care she urgently needs.
Here’s what you can do:
Write to the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Mozambique urging them to:
- Conduct a prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent, and effective investigation into Alcina Nhaume’s shooting.
- Make the investigation findings public to ensure transparency.
- Hold those responsible accountable through fair trials.
Write to:
Prosecutor General of the Republic
Américo Julião Letela
Av. Vladimir Lenine nr. 121
Maputo, Mozambique
Email denuncias@pgr.gov.mz
Salutation: Dear Prosecutor General,
And copy:
His Excellency Alfredo Fabiao NUVUNGA
High Commissioner
Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique
1525 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, D.C., DC 2003
6United States of America
Tel: (202) 293-7146 / 290-5322 (24h) Fax: (202) 835-0245
Email: washington.dc@embamoc.gov.mz
A young designer’s life changed forever
Alcina Nhaume is a young designer and business owner. She runs her own atelier while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in design at the Higher Institute of Arts and Culture. She also takes care of her father and manages their household.
On March 5, 2025, Alcina was at work in her shop in Michafutene, Maputo. Around 3:00 PM, protests erupted in her neighborhood as residents barricaded the road. Security forces from the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) were deployed to disperse the demonstrators. Witnesses say police began chasing protesters through the area.
Shot while at work
As Alcina was about to grab her purse to go home, she heard gunshots. A bullet pierced a metal barrier in her shop window and struck her in the face. Family-shared images show the devastating impact—her mouth was shattered, teeth lay on the ground, and her jaw was severely damaged.
Alcina was rushed to Maputo Central Hospital, where doctors confirmed that gunpowder traces were found on her face, proving she was shot. She remains in critical condition. She is unable to eat without a feeding tube and will never speak again unless she undergoes specialized surgery abroad. Even with surgery, her recovery will take time.
Authorities must be held accountable
On March 9, 2025, authorities announced an investigation into the shooting. However, Amnesty International is concerned that this may be an empty promise. In the past, similar cases have gone without accountability, and findings were never made public.
Under Article 58 of Mozambique’s Constitution, the government is responsible for harm caused by illegal actions of its agents. Authorities must ensure Alcina receives justice, including full reparations, financial compensation, and access to medical care and rehabilitation.
Alcina is one of over 700 victims shot by security forces since October 21, 2024, during the violent post-election crackdown in Mozambique.Please take action as soon as possible until August 19, 2025. The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.
