Mozambique poll observer killed in ruling party stronghold

A Mozambique poll observer was shot dead on Monday in a ruling party stronghold, the latest killing in the run-up to next week's elections, a monitoring group said.

Gunmen fired several shots at Anastacio Matavele -- head of a local election observation mission -- as he was driving away from a workshop in Xai-Xai, the capital of the southeastern Gaza province.

"He was immediately taken to hospital, where he was confirmed dead," said Sala da Paz, a group that monitors election-related violence.

The attackers were involved in a car accident as they fled the scene, said the group. One died in the crash, another taken to hospital and a third was arrested.

"Local observers have stated that the three assailants are known members of the riot police unit," Sala da Paz added.

"His death confirms that we are witnessing one of the most violent electoral campaigns."