By : Lloyd Mahachi
Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, claims to have narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in South Africa. Mondlane, who came second in last month’s disputed presidential election, revealed the alleged attempt on his life in a Facebook video, stating he was in “mortal danger” after assassins showed up at his home.
He described jumping through the back door and running through a hair salon, accompanied by his wife and daughter, to escape the would-be assassins. Mondlane had been staying in the affluent Sandton neighborhood in Johannesburg. However, South Africa’s foreign ministry said they were unaware of Mondlane’s presence in the country and that the matter should have been reported to the police.
Mondlane’s troubles began after his aide and lawyer were killed while preparing to challenge the election results. The opposition leader received 20% of the vote, significantly less than Daniel Chapo, the ruling party’s candidate, who secured 71%. Mondlane went into hiding before the results were announced, claiming his home had been surrounded by members of the security forces.
The disputed election has sparked violent protests, with three children reportedly shot dead by police in different parts of the capital Maputo, and eight people killed in the northern province of Nampula over the weekend. Mondlane has called for nationwide demonstrations against the election results and a general strike, despite the prime minister’s call for people to return to work.
The situation remains tense, with reports of police using tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against protesters. Mondlane’s supporters are planning a “final march” in Maputo, scheduled for Thursday, to demand justice and transparency in the election process. The international community is watching the developments closely, calling for calm and restraint from all parties involved.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
