According to vote monitors, three died after thugs opened fire in central Mozambique, near the base of an armed group opposing the country’s upcoming elections.

Police confirmed the attack and said they were still investigating the incident.

Daniel Macuacua, police spokesman for Sofala province, said:“We have confirmation of the attack but at this moment we cannot say who are the assailants.”

The Centre for Public Integrity, a local anti-graft watchdog that has an electoral observation mission in the area said: “The attack took place in the Pungue region, bordering the Gorongosa district and Nhamatanda.”

This is near the base of the Junta Militar da Renamo, an armed breakaway faction of the Renamo rebel group that is opposing the upcoming election 15 October.

The Militar Militar da Renamo also refused to recognise Ossufo Momade, who was elected Renamo president last year after the death of leader Afonso Dhlakama.