Violence Against Political Supporters in Mozambique: Two Mondlane Supporters Killed
Two supporters of Venâncio Mondlane were murdered in Inhambane, Mozambique, bringing the death toll to 13 among his supporters attributed to death squads. The police have not commented on this incident, which follows a violent attack on Mondlane’s motorcade in Maputo. Mondlane has reportedly fled to Botswana amidst rising tensions and violence.
In Inhambane province, Mozambique, two supporters of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane were murdered by unknown assailants on Saturday. The victims, identified as 28-year-old Daniel Guambe and 21-year-old Rafito Sitoe, were shot inside their vehicle. The attackers remain at large, and law enforcement has not yet made a public statement regarding the incident.
These latest murders have led to a total of 13 deaths of Mondlane supporters attributed to death squads, according to the NGO “Decide” Electoral Platform. Guambe leaves behind a wife and two young children, one being just four months old, while Sitoe had recently become a father.
Earlier this week, in Maputo, members of the Mozambican riot police violently confronted Mondlane’s motorcade, an event characterized by chaos and injuries among 16 individuals. Initial reports of fatalities, including two children, were denied by police authorities.
This incident follows previous fatal attacks on Mondlane’s affiliates, including the deaths of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe in October last year in Maputo, where no arrests have been made despite the public nature of the incidents.
In the wake of the violence, rumors suggested Mondlane had fled the country, but he had traveled to Botswana to meet former President Ian Khama. Although he was scheduled to return to Maputo for an interrogation at the Attorney-General’s Office, Mondlane’s legal advisor announced he would bypass the summons due to the recent police assault on his motorcade.
The recent murders of two supporters of Venâncio Mondlane highlight growing violence against political affiliates in Mozambique, raising concerns about the safety of individuals involved in opposition politics. The unprecedented number of fatalities among Mondlane’s supporters underscores the dangerous climate in which political activities are taking place in the country. Additionally, the violent confrontation with police reflects escalating tensions in Mozambique’s political landscape, necessitating urgent attention from authorities.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
