Dili, December 2, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) has detained a suspect with the initials VAC, involved in an aggravated homicide and serious assault case that occurred on 29 November 2025 at 06:30 a.m. The incident resulted in the death of the Aldeia Metir Chief, Miguel Coreia do Santos (50), and left the suspect’s wife, Augusta de Deus, seriously injured in the Dargeo area, Aldeia Metir, Fatumasi Village, Bazartete Administrative Post, Liquiçá Municipality. The information was accessed from the PNTL page on Monday.
PNTL spokesperson and Acting Director of the Criminal Investigation Service (DSIK), Superintendent João Belo do Reis, stated that the aggravated homicide occurred when the suspect VAC struck the Village Chief, Miguel Coreia do Santos, with a machete, killing him instantly. The suspect then stabbed his own wife, who is pregnant, causing serious injuries. The suspect acted on suspicion that the Village Chief’s younger brother had a romantic relationship with his wife.
“After VAC killed the Aldeia Metir Chief, he also used a sharp weapon to stab his pregnant wife, causing severe injuries. This occurred because the suspect suspected that the Village Chief’s younger brother was having an affair with his wife, the victim Augusta de Deus,” said PNTL spokesperson Superintendent João Belo do Reis.
The spokesperson added that after the incident, PNTL in Liquiçá immediately transported the body of Village Chief Miguel Coreia do Santos to the National Hospital Guido Valadares (HNGV) for autopsy procedures in accordance with the law, while coordinating with community leaders and youth to track down the suspect.
“Our Bazartete Police Station received information that suspect VAC had killed the Village Chief and seriously injured his own wife, who was pregnant, due to suspicion of an affair. The pregnant victim remains in critical condition and is receiving intensive treatment at the ICU of HNGV,” said the DSIK Director.
After committing the crime, the suspect fled. Community leaders and local youth worked jointly with PNTL Liquiçá, conducting a coordinated operation that successfully captured the suspect on 30 November 2025 at 01:30 p.m. in Ailaran, near the border area between Fahilebo and Fatumasi villages. The suspect was then transported to PNTL Liquiçá Command for investigation.
The Criminal Investigation Service in Liquiçá registered the case under NUK 0104-LIBZT and continues to hold the suspect VAC in the Liquiçá PNTL cell before presenting him to the Public Prosecutor for further interrogation and court procedures. The PNTL expressed gratitude to community leaders and residents for their support, which enabled the successful detention of the suspect.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Media PNTL