THE Mozambican Justice Ministry has confirmed that at least 25 inmates of the main prison in the northern city of Nampula died last year because they were not provided with speedy medical care. Citing the assistant national director of prisons, Joao Ajuda, the Maputo-based Noticias newspaper said that after an enquiry the Nampula prison director, Jose Faquira, has been suspended and now faces legal proceedings. Ernesto Paulino, who had been serving as director of the main prison in the neighbouring province of Zambezia, has been appointed to replace Faquira. The enquiry concluded that Faquira is to blame, not only for the deaths of prisoners but also for embezzlement and other irregularities in the institution.