A judge involved in the tur dispute in Mozambique suspended

05-May-2025 03:22 PM

Maputo. In Mozambique, the Superior Council of Judicial Magistrates (CSMJ) has suspended a judge from the Nacala district in connection with a controversial case involving the export of tur.

The judge's conduct in the high-profile dispute between two companies—ETG and Royal Group—raised suspicions regarding fairness and legal adherence.

The case centered on allegations that large quantities of tur were being exported to India, causing substantial financial losses to the opposing party.

In December 2023, a conflicting ruling by a different judge further complicated the matter. That judge ordered the confiscation of ETG Group's assets and stock of agricultural products stored in the city of Beira, disregarding the earlier decision issued by the Nacala court.

The CSMJ found this ruling to be inconsistent with legal procedures. Additionally, there were serious allegations that under this judge’s orders, the company’s stock was seized and then sold between December 22, 2023, and January 24, 2024.

Despite the Public Prosecutor's Office advising against further action, the judge proceeded, raising concerns about undue haste and irregularities in the legal process.

Two formal complaints were filed against the judge, both of which were verified and deemed valid by the Council. On this basis, the Council decided to suspend the judge. Incidents of this nature are considered rare in Mozambique’s judicial history.