Maputo — The Mozambican police have announced the arrest of a gang of car thieves operating from the Maputo suburb of Maxaquene, reports Friday's issue of the daily paper "Noticias".

A police patrol spotted members of the gang holding up a motorist at gunpoint on Tuesday night, and stealing his Toyota Hilux. The police gave chase and followed the thieves into Maxaquene.

When the police located the stolen Toyota, at the home of a man named Ernesto Manhica, they also found nine other stolen cars, and a clandestine workshop, dedicated to altering number plates and changing other characteristics of stolen vehicles.

Nissans, Volkswagens and other Toyotas were among the vehicles in Manhica's yard. The police also apprehended seven sets of documents for other cars, stamps used to forge documents and a pistol.

Five other members of the gang, ranging in age from 19 to 27, have also been arrested.