Paulo César da Silva Souza, known as master Sabiá, was a 65-year-old capoeira master who was shot and killed in Niterói, Brazil. His burial is scheduled for Friday at the Parque da Colina cemetery. His sister, Adriana Possobom, expressed her sorrow, noting that her brother was well-liked and had no known enemies. The community is mourning the loss of someone who dedicated his life to promoting capoeira—a traditional Brazilian martial art that blends dance, music, and acrobatics.

Just two days prior to his death, Paulo had survived an assassination attempt. He was shot at, but the gun did not fire, allowing him to escape unharmed. This incident raised concerns about the safety of individuals involved in cultural practices, such as capoeira, which often face violence despite being rooted in principles of peace and cultural expression. This troubling escalation of violence has left many in the community searching for answers regarding the motives behind the attack and subsequent murder.

Simone Lage, one of Sabiá's students, shared her shock and disbelief over the violence directed at someone known for spreading peace and culture around the world. The mystery surrounding his untimely death highlights the disturbing issues of violence in Brazilian society, prompting calls for justice and reflection on the cultural heritage that capoeira represents. As the community prepares to lay Sabiá to rest, they are also left grappling with questions of safety and justice in a world where such acts of violence seem increasingly prevalent.