Mozambique authorities are detaining six opposition members for allegedly having a hand in violent attacks in central regions of the country, local police (PRM) confirmed on Wednesday.

The violence experienced in Nhamatanda district of Sofala province has seen at least 21 people killed since August 2019, police attributing it to members of the opposition Renamo’s armed wing.

The group, which includes a member of Renamo’s municipal assembly and the head of Marromeu Youth wing, was arrested on its way to Nhamatanda district, the alleged scene of attacks, VOA reported, quoting PRM.

“One of the group’s members was hospitalised after being shot [during] the operation while the other five [are being held at] Sofala’s Police Station”.

The group denies any link to the attacks.