29 people detained for allegedly joining rioters in northern Mozambique

MAPUTO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The Police in Mozambique's province of Nampula detained 29 people on Saturday who were allegedly to join the rioters in Mocimboa da Praia, in the northernmost province of Cabo Delgado.

According to Manuel Zandamela, provincial commander in Nampula, the 29 individuals, including children and women, were lured by money and job opportunities in Cabo Delgado by Islamist extremists who had carried out sporadic attacks on police stations and civilian houses since October 2017.

"We have no doubt that these people, including 12-year-olds, would join the riots that are taking place in Cabo Delgado," said Zandamel, adding that "because they are innocent people who have been deceived, they will not be arrested, and will be released to their homes."

So far, the Defense and Security Forces have arrested at least 400 people, including Zimbabweans, Somalis, Ugandans and Tanzanians. Enditem