MAPUTO - A Mozambican dancer who called police to his home because he feared he was being robbed was killed by the officers from whom he had sought help.

MAPUTO - A Mozambican dancer who called police to his home because he feared he was being robbed was killed by the officers from whom he had sought help.

This is an example of deadly police violence in Mozambique given by Amnesty International.

In a report released yesterday, Amnesty International called on the government to ensure cases of excessive violence by police are probed and officers are better trained.

Repeated calls by The Associated Press seeking comment from Mozambique's police minister and his deputy went unanswered.

Mozambicans themselves have repeatedly called attention to police violence.

Ramuldine, a Muslim leader, who uses only one name and often speaks on human rights issues, told AP he had urged the police ministry to recruit better candidates and give themadequate training.

"It's not the work of the police to torture and kill," said Ramuldine.

Magalhaes Ibrahiogi, leader of the small opposition Mozambican Independence Party, also said training was key, as well as better pay for officers.

"Criminals are ill-treated. They are tortured, beaten and in some cases killed by the police," he said.

In 2008, five police officers were convicted for the 2007 killing of two suspected gang members linked to the deaths of police officers in a shootout in Maputo but such cases are rare. - Sapa-AP