Tragic Murders of Mondlane Supporters Highlight Political Violence in Mozambique
Two supporters of Venâncio Mondlane were murdered in Inhambane, escalating fears for the safety of his supporters. This incident marks the thirteenth reported killing linked to death squads. Recent police violence against Mondlane’s motorcade has heightened tensions, and political instability remains a critical issue as violence continues with little accountability.
On Saturday, two supporters of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane were shot dead in Massinga district, Inhambane, by unknown assailants who remain unidentified. The victims, Daniel Guambe, 28, and Rafito Sitoe, 21, were attacked inside a car, adding to the ongoing violence against Mondlane’s supporters. This brings the total number of Mondlane supporters reportedly killed by death squads to thirteen, according to the NGO “Decide” Electoral Platform.
The organization’s statement noted that Guambe left behind a wife and two young children, one being a four-month-old daughter, while Sitoe had recently become a father as well. In a related incident, chaos erupted in Maputo the previous Wednesday when the Mozambican riot police, known as the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), targeted Mondlane’s motorcade, resulting in injuries to 16 individuals. Initial reports suggested fatalities among children, which police later refuted.
This resurgence of violence recalls previous incidents, including the murders of Elvino Dias, Mondlane’s lawyer, and election agent Paulo Guambe on October 19 of the previous year, where no arrests have been made despite the crimes occurring in a crowded area. Following the violence, speculation arose regarding Mondlane’s safety, with claims that he had fled the country. However, he was confirmed to be in Botswana meeting with former President Ian Khama.
While Mondlane had planned to return to Maputo to comply with a summons for interrogation at the Attorney-General’s Office, his legal advisor, Dinis Tivane, announced to the press on Friday that, in light of the police assault on Mondlane’s motorcade, he would not heed the summons.
The situation in Mozambique is dire, particularly for supporters of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, as illustrated by the recent murders of two of his supporters, bringing the total to thirteen fatalities linked to death squads. The violence is significantly impacting the political landscape, leading to fears for personal safety and calls for accountability amidst the chaos that pervades the streets. The ongoing conflict raises serious concerns about political stability and the well-being of citizens within the nation.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
