The Police of the Republic of Mozambique announced yesterday (5) in Maputo that 17 demonstrations had taken place across the country, culminating in the arrest of 14 individuals as they set up barricades on public roads.

According to the spokesman for the General Command of the Republic's Police, Orlando Mudumane, the demonstrations also culminated in the vandalization of a jail from which 11 inmates escaped, two police stations being set on fire and 21 people injured, including serious and light injuries.

Cited by AIM, Mudumane said that members and sympathizers of the PODEMOS party continue to stage violent and disorderly demonstrations throughout the country, with a greater focus on Maputo city and the provinces of Maputo, Zambézia and Nampula.

"Tumultuous demonstrations, characterized by the prevalence of barricades, the immobilization and abandonment of vehicles and the burning of tires on the highway," said Mudumane.

The PRM also noted the massive participation and exposure of children and adolescents in public gatherings where violent events or movements take place.

"We also noted the serious confrontation of PODEMOS members and sympathizers with members of the Mozambique Republic Police, whom they target in their raids," said the spokesman.

For this reason, the police are urging parents and guardians to take care of minors and avoid their presence in violent acts.

Across the country, many public infrastructures and commercial establishments have been broken into and looted.

It should be noted that the individuals arrested placed barricades on public roads to extort and blackmail motorists.

The 17 demonstrations registered yesterday (5) also resulted in 29 schools being raided and vandalized.

Mudumane said that the situation of public order, security and tranquillity in the country was considered calm and under control.

The demonstrations have caused dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, both serious and minor.