Police in Mozambique to probe 'mass grave' reports

Mozambican police said they were investigating reports of a mass grave found in the central province of Sofala

Various media reported last week the discovery in the area of Canda in Gorongosa district.

Residents said they had counted between 100 to 120 bodies in a hole once used as an open-pit gold mine.

Human Rights watch said it was concerned by the situation and invited Mozambique to shed light on the existence of possible mass graves.

On the discovery of bodies scattered in a bush in Gorongosa, central #Mozambique… VIA hrw pic.twitter.com/HKRnlogH7A

— zenaida machado (zenaidamz) May 3, 2016

“Mozambican authorities should urgently act on reports of a mass grave and the discovery of at least 15 bodies. They should immediately launch a credible and transparent investigation to determine the identities of the victims found, the causes of death and who is responsible,” said Human Rights Watch Africa researcher, Zenaida Machado.

The region has suffered from instability created by continued fighting between government forces and the armed wing of RENAMO, Mozambique’s main opposition party.

Some officials of RENAMO have however accused government troops of summary executions.