The Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) arrested a religious leader and two followers for encouraging the faithful not to seek public services, in the district of Rapale, in the province of Nampula.

The religious leader and his followers of the "Refuge in Jesus" sect discouraged people from seeking health services, going to school and public offices, according to the PRM spokesman.

"They don't recognize the government and say they leave everything in Jesus' hands," said, Zacarias Nacute, quoted by RTP.

Police took the targets to a local police station for questioning, but they were eventually arrested after causing a "ruckus."

Zacarias Nacute said that the police authorities have sent files to the Public Prosecutor's Office with the indictment of a crime of public disobedience against the religious leader and his followers.