The Republic of Mozambique Police (PRM) arrested two men and seized 262 explosives and 150 detonators allegedly used in illegal mining.

According to the portal "Sapo" citing a police source, the two individuals are of Mozambican nationality and another Zimbabwean.

The materials were allegedly smuggled from Zimbabwe and seized on Monday in a suburb of Chimoio, Manica province.

The local spokesman said that the material would be used in illegal gold mines in Chitima.

"The individuals will be prosecuted for possession of prohibited weapons," for bringing the explosives into the country, Mário Arnaça stressed.

The possibility that the material is destined for armed groups operating in Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, is also being investigated.

A criminal case was referred on Tuesday to the Public Prosecutor's Office in Chimoio for judicial proceedings, he added.