Escalating Violence Against Mondlane Supporters in Mozambique

Two supporters of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane were shot dead in Inhambane, raising the total number of Mondlane supporters killed to thirteen. The attack occurred after recent violent clashes with the police in Maputo. Despite an interrogation summons, Mondlane’s safety remains a pressing concern.

In the Massinga district of Inhambane, Mozambique, two supporters of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane were tragically murdered by unknown assailants on Saturday. The victims, Daniel Guambe, 28, and Rafito Sitoe, 21, were shot while inside a vehicle. The assailants remain at large, and the Mozambican police have yet to make any comments regarding the incident.

The NGO “Decide” Electoral Platform reported that with these recent deaths, the total number of Mondlane supporters killed by death squads has risen to thirteen. The note from the organization highlighted the personal loss, stating that Guambe leaves behind a wife and two children, including a four-month-old baby girl, while Sitoe had also recently become a father.

The atmosphere of violence surrounding Mondlane escalated recently, as chaos erupted in the streets of Maputo, where the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) allegedly attacked Mondlane’s motorcade. This incident resulted in 16 injuries, with the police denying reports that two children were victims of the violence. Previously, in October, two individuals linked to Mondlane’s campaign were murdered in central Maputo, yet no suspects have been arrested despite the densely populated setting.

Subsequent to the violence in Maputo, there were rumors that Mondlane had fled the country; however, he had actually traveled to Botswana, where he met with former President Ian Khama. Mondlane was scheduled to return to Maputo to respond to a summons for an interrogation at the Attorney-General’s Office, but his legal advisor later announced that he planned to disregard the summons following the police attack.

The recent murders of Daniel Guambe and Rafito Sitoe signify a disturbing trend of violence against supporters of Venâncio Mondlane, with the total fatalities now at thirteen according to the NGO “Decide.” The escalation of violence, particularly the assault on Mondlane’s motorcade, raises substantial concerns about political safety and the rule of law in Mozambique. Mondlane’s planned return to face the Attorney-General’s office remains uncertain amidst these developments.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com