Machel’s daughter sues accused for R58m

MAPUTO: Rofino Licuco, the man accused of a savage assault against Josina Machel, the daughter of Mozambique’s first president, Samora Machel and former education minister Graça Machel, has gone on trial in a Maputo court.

Licuco was Josina’s boyfriend between 2012 and 2015.

Josina testified in court on Monday that Licuco attacked her in October 2015.

He beat her on the face so badly that she was blinded in her right eye, she testified. Licuco denies the charge. His defence is that Josina “tripped and fell”.

Josina is seeking compensation of 300 million meticais (R58 million, at current exchange rates).

She says that, if granted these damages, she will use the money to finance a project to support women who are the victims of violence.

Contrary to the principle that, with few exceptions, all Mozambican trials are open to the public, reporters were not allowed into the court room. No explanation has been given for holding the trial behind closed doors.

After the Monday hearing, neither Josina nor Licuco would talk to the media.

Graça Machel also has told reporters that she is unwilling to comment: “Only after the verdict could I perhaps make a statement.”

The trial has been adjourned until February 2.