Dili, June 09, 2026 (Media Democracia) – National Police of Timor-Leste Dili Municipality Command has received information about an incident that occurred in Pantai Kelapa last night which resulted in a female citizen losing her life.
The deceased’s full name is Nadine Batista R.D. Carmo, aged 15. Another victim currently admitted to Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV) is Agile do Carmo, aged 21, who was driving a motorcycle with plate number Y-5539. The incident happened around 7:00 PM OTL.
According to Dili Municipality PNTL Second Commander, Police Chief Superintendent Luis da Silva, last night there was a case in the Pantai Kelapa area where thieves snatched someone’s phone.
“Yes, last night there was a case in Pantai Kelapa where thieves managed to snatch a phone. Then they chased after them, and the victims had an accident and crashed. One of them, who was on the back, died at the scene. So last night we immediately ordered for her to be taken to the HNGV morgue.” the Dili Municipality PNTL Second Commander told journalists at FINANTIL School on Monday.
Luis informed that PNTL is currently still searching for the suspects believed to be involved in the case.
”We are still searching for the suspects believed to be involved and the process will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.” he said.
He stated that for this case, PNTL will help locate CCTV footage in the area of the incident to track down the suspects.
“The suspects have not yet been identified because it happened late at night, but we hope that with support from CCTV we will continue to search for the suspects.” he added.
Currently the body is about to be handed over to the family.
The Dili Municipality Second Commander reported that in Dili, thieves are stealing many motorcycles and belongings, and they have specific modus operandi they use to carry out their actions.
“When they steal someone’s motorcycle, the stolen motorcycle can appear in Lospalos or Maliana. Also, they swap the engine of the stolen motorcycle with another one. This makes it very difficult to recover, but the police continue to try. Police are working together with the municipal commands and we have managed to recover many.” he said.
He explained that many of the thieves are minors. Therefore, the policy of the command and the Government is to carry out awareness for minors and they must stay away from theft.
He explained that when decisions reach the court, they are released because the juvenile law states that minors under 17 cannot be punished.
Reporting: Estefánia Cardoso
Photo: Estefánia Cardoso