3 Mozambique cops injured in riots

2010-09-04 12:00

Maputo - Three Mozambican police were injured in clashes with demonstrators in Maputo over rising food prices on Friday evening, police said on Saturday.

"Three police were injured when protesters threw stones at them. When we tried to stop them some people threw stones and other objects at police," said police spokesperson Arnaldo Chefo.

Ten people were killed and more than 440 injured in violence since Wednesday sparked by spiralling food prices. Police fired rubber bullets and live ammunition to control demonstrators.

Police said no incidents of unrest were reported overnight.

"The situation remained calm during the night. There were no deaths and no injuries, said Belmiro Muradiwa, the provincial spokesperson for the central Manica province.

The unrest has interrupted fuel supply in Maputo and long lines have formed outside fuel stations, as people scramble to fill up their cars.

Prices hike for several essential foodstuffs including bread were implemented on September 1 and the government said this week the increases were "irreversible".

- SAPA