The Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) in Nampula has denied any link between the cancellation of leave and the suspension of new leave approvals and the trial of politician Venâncio Mondlane, scheduled for 17 November.

According to PRM spokesperson in Nampula, Dércio Samuel, the measure is intended to ensure implementation of the force’s plan to guarantee security during the approaching festive season.

“When this period arrives, the Police conducts several operations. The focus is actually related to the festive season. The Police is on standby to ensure the safe and peaceful movement of people and their property in our province. Therefore, the arguments circulating on social media are opinions; the Provincial Command’s plans are, in fact, aimed at ensuring the free movement of people and their property during the festive season,” he said.

In his interaction with journalists, Dércio Samuel said this was not the first time the force had adopted such a measure, although he regretted the circulation of an internal document on social media.

“This is not the first time. Unfortunately, the document was shared on social media. However, whenever the festive season approaches, the PRM asks its personnel, including operational officers, to step up protective measures during this period,” he explained.

At the press conference, the PRM spokesperson presented two individuals suspected of involvement in the counterfeiting of metical banknotes using an improvised printing operation set up in a private residence. He also announced the recovery of a laptop allegedly used to produce counterfeit 1,000-metical banknotes.

The PRM also announced the dismantling of a gang in the Murrapaniua neighbourhood, allegedly involved in five criminal cases, notably counterfeiting metical banknotes, robbery, attempted murder (of a relative of one of those involved), street robberies targeting mobile phones, and the sale and consumption of cannabis sativa.