Mozambique’s police chief BERNADINO RAFAEL has been sacked, following allegations of brutality during October’s disputed election and its aftermath.

He has denied claims by prominent opposition figures that he had worked with criminal groups to kidnap and kill civilian protesters in recent months.

The country’s new President DANIEL CHAPO, who took office last week, announced Mr RAFAEL’s removal.

It is the first major security shake-up of Chapo’s presidency so far, as he faces immense pressure to win public trust and kick-start the ailing economy after months of unrest.

Mozambique is in the throes of one of its worst post-election crises since independence.