The Republic of Mozambique Police (PRM) announced today that it had arrested 371 people across the country as a result of the protests on Thursday and in the early hours of today.

According to Orlando Mudumane, some of the citizens were arrested for their involvement in clashes with PRM agents.

"A total of 371 people were arrested and 44 criminal cases were drawn up and referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office for further legal proceedings," said the spokesman.

Mudumane was speaking to the press as part of the police response to Thursday's demonstrations called by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.

"Overall, 52 relevant incidents were recorded across the country, with 19 cases of generalized public disorder, 17 break-ins of commercial establishments and looting of goods, 11 vandalizations of public and private infrastructure, two vehicles set on fire and one attempted invasion of a police station," he said.

There were also 20 people injured, including eight police officers. In various parts of Maputo city, 17 commercial establishments were vandalized.

"Individuals of dubious conduct carried out disorderly demonstrations, blocked public roads, burned tires on highways, vandalized and/or destroyed public and private property, broke into commercial establishments and looted various goods," he said.