He ordered the interior ministry to "investigate the reasons that led the police to engage in physical confrontations with the youths", state-owned Radio Mozambique reported.

Local media reported that authorities used tear gas, rubber bullets and dog units to repress marches in tribute to the late rapper Azagaia, in Nampula, Beira, Xai-Xai and Maputo cities on Saturday.

Civil society organisations, which denounced the brutal repression by the police, said dozens of protesters sustained severe injuries, and more than 100 people were arrested countrywide.

On Thursday, Mr Nyusi urged the police to resort to dialogue to find common ground that will allow the citizens to exercise their rights and the police to perform its duties.