Mozambican women are faced with with a rising cost of living as they work to provide for their families. (Photo Courtesy David Gough/IRIN)

Maputo — The death toll from the rioting in Maputo and the neighbouring city of Matola on Wednesday and Thursday has now risen to ten, according to Health Minister Ivo Garrido.

Speaking at a Friday press conference Garrido added that health units in the two cities had treated 155 people injured in the riots.

Nine of the fatalities died in clashes between rioters and the police, and the tenth succumbed of his injuries in hospital.

Garrido said that 149 of the injured people entered hospitals on Wednesday and Thursday, and just six on Friday. 27 of the injured were hospitalized, and the rest were treated and sent home.

Hospitals had sufficient blood supplies for the transfusions that were required, but Garrido warned that, if there is any resumption of violence, then stocks might run out. He stressed that all the injured people entering the city health units are receiving decent and professional treatment.

He said that on his visits to the hospitals, he had been greatly impressed by the high level of professionalism and dedication shown by the health workers on duty.