Mozambican authorities confirmed the recapture of Anibal dos Santos, known as Anibalzinho, who murdered prominent journalist Carlos Cardoso in 2000.

It is thought to be the third time Dos Santos has managed to escape.

After a previous attempt to flee in 2005 police said he would be incarcerated in an escape-proof cell.

But Mozambique news agency AIM reported that he apparently escaped in broad daylight last December through a hole knocked in a first-floor corridor wall.

Dos Santos, who holds Portuguese citizenship, has been picked up in Canada and South Africa after fleeing custody on previous occasions.

Dos Santos was convicted of leading a death squad which carried out the Cardoso murder and sentenced to 30 years in jail.

Mr Cardoso was killed while he was investigating allegations of corruption.

The case caused a huge public outcry and the eldest son of former President Joaquim Chissano, Nympine Chissano, was eventually implicated.

He denied any involvement but died while under investigation for the killing.