Murder of Mondlane Supporter in Inhambane Signals Rising Political Violence
The murder of Leão de Deus, a supporter of Venâncio Mondlane, has been reported in Inhambane, Mozambique, raising the death toll of Mondlane’s supporters killed to 13. The violence underlines the increasing threats faced by political activists and the failure of law enforcement to address this alarming trend.
The Mozambican NGO, the “Decide” Electoral Platform, has condemned the murder of Leão de Deus, a supporter of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, in Zavala district, Inhambane province. The victim, known for his deep convictions regarding Mondlane’s political movement, was kidnapped on Saturday and subsequently shot in the Chissibuca region. This tragic event marks another loss in a concerning trend of violence against political supporters.
With Leão de Deus’s murder, the count of Mondlane supporters killed by death squads has escalated to 13, as reported by the “Decide” Electoral Platform. Just last week, two additional supporters were murdered in Massinga district, further heightening fears about the safety of political activists. The situation remains dire, as the Mozambican police have not yet issued comments regarding these violent incidents.
Historical context reveals that on October 19 of the previous year, two prominent supporters of Mondlane were shot dead in Maputo: Elvino Dias, Mondlane’s lawyer, and Paulo Guambe, an election agent. Despite these killings occurring in a heavily populated area, no suspects have been brought to justice, raising questions about accountability within law enforcement.
Additionally, earlier this year, on March 15, João de Deus Nhachengo faced a similar fate, having been kidnapped and murdered. This wave of violence has left a palpable mark on the opposition, culminating in 15 reported deaths of Mondlane supporters and additional losses among FRELIMO party members, highlighting the grave repercussions of political tensions within the country.
The continued violence against supporters of Venâncio Mondlane poses grave concerns for political stability and human rights in Mozambique. With the recent murder of Leão de Deus, the toll of assassinated political supporters rises to alarming levels. The involvement of unknown assailants and lack of police action instigates a dire need for scrutiny and action to protect opposition members and restore safety during an already tumultuous political climate.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
