Dili, August 18, 2026 (Media Demoracia) – Silvano Gomes passed away today around 9:00 AM at the Guido Valadares National Hospital, after undergoing surgery.
Regarding the incident that happened on Saturday, 15 August, at around 08:30 OTL, an individual from the Timor-Leste National Police with the initials MG used a firearm (Pistol) and shot the late Silvano Gomes in Irabin de Baixo, Watucarbau, because he was riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet.
The late Silvano Gomes’ family member, Elizário da Silva, stated regarding this incident that the family requests the case be taken through legal process to prosecute the PNTL officer who took Silvano Gomes’ life.
“Yes he has died. Clearly our family wants this process to follow the law. Even if the deceased was at fault, that’s okay, but the court must be the one to decide. So our family wants everything to follow the law. The police came to talk to me about an autopsy to get evidence so the process can move forward.” said the family member, Elizário Silva, to journalists at HNGV on Monday (17/08/2026)
The family demands that the relevant authorities process the PNTL officer according to the law, and that the court must decide who is right and who is wrong.
He explained that after the late Silvano finished surgery, the doctor informed them that the operation was finished but it was serious because he had 7 wounds in his internal organs.
“The doctors operated on the late Silvano Gomes and when they came out they told me, your nephew has 3 big wounds and 4 small ones, but they said they already cut and we joined them back, but it’s serious.” Elizário recounted.
Elizário said that now Silvano Gomes has died, but the process must follow the law.
He also said that regarding the autopsy, the family is just waiting for when the competent authorities make the request, then the autopsy can be done.
As of now, Silvano Gomes body is still at the HNGV Mortuary, being accompanied by the family and the Forensic Police team to consult and submit the body for autopsy.
Up to this time journalists tried to ask for information from the PNTL spokesperson at the PNTL General Command building in Caicoli, but there was no response because there was no authorization from the PNTL General Commander.
Reporting: Estefania Cardoso
Photo: Estefania Cardoso