Peruvian journalist and regional candidate Susy Aponte, known as La China Polo, has been shot dead by a foreign assailant in Caraz, Áncash.
Aponte was running for governor of the Áncash Regional Government while leading a weekly investigative news program. Her colleague Lourdes Sacín revealed that Aponte had received repeated death threats and sought official state protection prior to the fatal attack.
Final Conversation Before the Attack
Sacín said she received news of her employer's death on Saturday, September 19, which coincided with Sacín's birthday. The two journalists had spoken on the phone shortly before the shooting to discuss planned news segments and birthday wishes.
According to Sacín, Aponte called to wish her a happy birthday and promised to speak again later that evening to give her a birthday gift. During the call, Aponte also reviewed news sources and investigative topics scheduled for broadcast on Sunday, September 20.
Sacín had worked alongside Aponte for two and a half years on the television broadcast. In recent weeks, Sacín took over hosting duties for the Sunday program while Aponte actively campaigned for the regional governorship in Áncash.
Criticism of Prosecutor Investigation
Sacín expressed strong outrage following reports that the Áncash Prosecutor's Office attempted to open an investigation classifying the crime as a femicide. She rejected the classification as false and asserted that Aponte was killed because of sensitive investigative information she possessed.
Sacín stated that death threats had been issued against Aponte, the television program, the production team, and Sacín herself. She added that Aponte had filed formal complaints and requested official security guarantees from authorities, but no protective measures were provided.
Prior to her death, Aponte had publicly reported death threats and pointed to General Revoredo. Sacín noted that Aponte had frequently described the judicial system in Áncash as corrupt, adding that she believed Aponte may have trusted authorities too much despite knowing her life was in danger.
Concerns for Safety and Calls for Justice
Sacín, a journalist and former partner of television figure Andy V who previously stepped away from a television program over personal questioning, stated that she fears for her own life. She declined to share further details or specific suspicions regarding potential perpetrators, citing personal safety concerns.
Áncash is a department in northern Peru where elected regional governors oversee public policy, local development, and regional budgets. Media professionals reporting on regional politics in provincial departments often face significant safety risks when uncovering local corruption.
Aponte leaves behind four minor children. Sacín expressed public gratitude to Aponte for offering her employment when others would not, and called on authorities to ensure the murder does not remain unpunished.
