Maputo — Four policemen have been arrested after abuses they committed were denounced during a visit by Mozambican President Armando Guebuza to the district Nacaroa, in the northern province of Nampula, as part of his 'open presidency' tour, reports Wednesday's issue of the daily 'Noticias'.

The denunciation was made by Michel Luis Augusto, a local teacher, at a rally addressed by Guebuza. Augusto told Guebuza that the four policemen had stolen his motorbike, and later arrested him and beat him up, and did not return the bike.

He said that one night he was stopped by the four policemen because his motorbike had no lights. They took his vehicle with them to the district police command.

On the following day, when he went there to recover his motorbike, instead of fining him or giving him back the vehicle, he was told that the motorbike was no longer there, and he was accused the owner of stealing it. The policemen handcuffed him and beat him, but no case was opened against him. The motorbike is yet to be returned to the owner.

The deputy commander of the police force, Jorge Kalau, who is a member of Guebuza's delegation, confirmed Augusto's denunciation. He told reporters that, after an investigation, the four suspects were arrested and immediately suspended, and should respond to both disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

Kalau also promised to return the motorbike to its legitimate owner. "The motorbike will soon be returned to this citizen", he said.