Police have been deployed to suspected trouble areas in the Mozambican capital Maputo, amid fears of violence due to the strike against bus fare rate hikes.

Many thousands took to the streets walking.

Various establishments, including some government ministries have shuttered their doors as a safety precaution.

In 2008 there was an attempted rate hike prompting violent riots which saw four people die.

Maputo citizens feel that they cannot afford the new rates as there are already so many people dealing with financial trouble.

The usually busy bus terminal in central Maputo was almost completely empty, although there are still municipal buses operating.

The authorities say fare increases are the only way to revitalize a struggling transport system.

It was noted that only 250 public buses are used to carry around two million commuters.

The bus rates are set to increase by a massive 40 percent.