The commander-general of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique, Bernardino Rafael, announced on Wednesday in Maputo the suspension of basic training for new members of the force for the next three years.

Rafael revealed that preparations for the suspension of conscription began five years ago, which led to huge expenses for the massive training of new agents.

"We're going to stop for three years and tackle the infrastructure pillar," the commander announced, explaining that the money that would have been allocated to training logistics would be used to restructure the workplaces. "We're thinking economically".

The commander, who was speaking as part of the celebration of the PRM's 48th anniversary and the commissioning of 811 officers, said that it would be impossible to reconcile the costs of training, construction and logistics. The PRM intends to build more training schools, district commands and police stations.

The suspension will also allow the PRM to review the curriculum and its use and bring it into line with international police training standards. Once the restructuring process is complete, only citizens with completed general education will be admitted.

Bernardino Rafael assures, however, that the suspended measure will not negatively affect public order and tranquillity. "We haven't completed the police-citizen ratio, but we have a reasonable number of officers to guarantee protection for Mozambicans over the next ten years," he said, quoted by the Mozambican daily The Country.

The PRM will continue with in-house training for sergeants, special forces and police officers.