Armed attack leaves one dead, councilman injured in San Matías

A violent armed attack in San Matías, a Bolivian municipality bordering Brazil, has left one man dead and a local councilman seriously injured, reigniting fears about the growing insecurity in the area. The victim, identified as Pablo Roberto Saavedra de Souza, sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Councilman Iverth Ricardo Gantier Vargas, who works as a barber, was also hit by gunfire during the incident. He was transferred to Cáceres, Brazil, for medical treatment and is reported to be in serious condition with his diagnosis reserved. Preliminary reports suggest Gantier was targeted while at his workplace.

This latest act of violence adds to a disturbing trend in San Matías, with local sources reporting over six deaths in armed incidents in recent weeks, despite an existing police presence. The attack has prompted renewed concern among residents who are demanding a return to peace and tranquility in the border town.

Following Saavedra de Souza's death, unconfirmed reports circulated linking him to a criminal faction operating in San Matías. However, some residents have publicly defended the young man on social media, describing him as an entrepreneur who sold chickens in the Cotoca neighborhood and asserting he was not involved in criminal activities. His family has not yet commented publicly on the allegations. Authorities are investigating the circumstances and motive behind the attack, and whether there is any official connection to organized crime.

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He was not a criminal, he worked selling his chicken.