The Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) neutralized, in the city of Chimoio in Manica, 14 young people suspected of being recruited to join terrorist groups in the north of the country.

The PRM spokesman in Manica said that the corporation questioned a passenger transport vehicle and found youths ranging in age from 16 to 38.

The interception occurred thanks to a tip-off after one of the members alerted the authorities of the Centro Hípico neighborhood, in Chimoio, where the members of the group were reportedly selected.

According to Lusa, via Noticias ao Minuto, the citizens were under the command of a 43-year-old woman, presumably Zimbabwean. Approached by PRM, the woman refuted the accusations and claimed to be taking the youngsters to perform at a traditional dance event, in Inhambane province.

In order to find out the veracity of the allegations made by the accused, the police said that they are listening to each one of the 14 youths, "but so far we are getting strange information," said Mário Arnança.