The IPI global network strongly condemns the attempted killing of Mozambican environmental reporter Carlitos Cadangue and calls on authorities in Mozambique to conduct a swift, independent investigation aimed at holding the perpetrators accountable.
On the early evening of February 4, 2026, Cadangue, a correspondent with SOICO Television (STV), was shot at while driving back home with his son in Chimoio city, Manica province. According to reports, masked men in a black Ford Ranger blocked his car and fired multiple shots at the vehicle. The attackers, who were in law enforcement uniforms, drove off when they saw no movement in the car. Luckily, both Cadangue and his son escaped unharmed, but deeply shaken.
STV and local press freedom groups suspect the attack is linked to Cadangue’s reporting on illegal mining and pollution in Manica province, which led the government to institute a temporary ban on mining in the area amid an investigation into the allegations. Cadangue had previously been threatened by powerful actors invested in the mining industry who were angered by his coverage.
Civil society and media organisations in Mozambique have vehemently condemned the attack, describing it as a blatant attempt to intimidate and muzzle the press. President Daniel Chapo has denounced the attack and demanded that authorities ensure justice.
“We call on authorities in Mozambique to swiftly and transparently investigate this unacceptable attack and bring those responsible to justice,” IPI Executive Director Scott Griffen said. “The alarming attack on Carlitos Cadangue underscores the extremely serious safety and security risks faced by climate and environment journalists covering sensitive topics – especially those that threaten the interests of powerful actors. State failure to address these attacks and ensure journalist safety undercuts the public’s right to information on environmental issues as well as accountability for environmental harms.”
Across Africa, climate and environmental journalists navigate precarious operating environments and face the risk of physical attacks, intimidation and judicial harassment. In 2025, IPI documented 19 attacks against journalists working on climate and environmental stories in sub-Saharan Africa, especially stories related to mining, industry and land disputes.
More broadly, IPI reiterates its call on the government of Mozambique to end impunity for all attacks against journalists. Other serious incidents, including the enforced disappearances of journalists Ibraimo Mbaruco in 2020 and Arlindo Chissale in 2025, remain unsolved.