Venâncio Mondlane Allegedly Escapes Assassination Attempt in South Africa

Venâncio Mondlane, Mozambique’s presidential runner-up, claims to have escaped an assassination attempt in South Africa after his home was allegedly targeted. He has been in hiding following the murder of his associates during the contested election aftermath, calling for nationwide protests against the results. The situation remains volatile with ongoing strikes and violent confrontations between demonstrators and police.

Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition leader and presidential runner-up in Mozambique’s recent contested election, has alleged that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in South Africa, where he has been taking refuge. In a Facebook video, Mondlane expressed feelings of being in “mortal danger” after attackers reportedly visited his residence seeking to harm him. His escape involved fleeing through a hair salon alongside his wife and daughter while carrying bags. Mondlane’s claims have not been supported by evidence, and there has been no official comment from Mozambican authorities. He had gone into hiding about two weeks prior, following the killings of his aide and attorney as they prepared to challenge the election results. The ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo of Frelimo, was officially announced as the victor with over 71% of the vote against Mondlane’s 20%. The exact location of the alleged assassination attempt remains unspecified, although Mondlane stated he was in Johannesburg’s affluent Sandton area during the incident. South Africa’s foreign ministry indicated that they were unaware of Mondlane’s presence in the country and emphasized that any such situation should have been reported to the police. Inquiries to South African police have gone unanswered. Prior to the election results, Mondlane claimed his home was surrounded by security forces. He has urged Mozambicans to organize widespread demonstrations against the election outcomes, which are currently under judicial review initiated by the Podemos party, allied with Mondlane. The protests have escalated into violent encounters with police, resulting in casualties and injuries, alongside the enforcement of internet and social media restrictions. Mondlane’s call for a general strike continues, despite the prime minister’s appeal for a return to normalcy. Amidst these tensions, tragic incidents have occurred, including the reported shooting of three children by police in the capital, Maputo. Confrontations have also led to retaliatory violence, with demonstrators incinerating property tied to law enforcement individuals. To conclude, Venâncio Mondlane’s situation highlights the volatility in Mozambique following the disputed presidential election, with his alleged assassination attempt underscoring the threats opposition leaders face. The ongoing protests reflect public unrest, exacerbated by violent state responses, further complicating the nation’s political landscape.

The political climate in Mozambique has been increasingly tense following the recent election, where allegations of electoral fraud and violence have emerged. The opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, contested the results, leading to significant unrest. The deaths of key associates of Mondlane have raised alarms about the safety of opposition figures, leading him to seek refuge in South Africa. The involvement of the ruling party, Frelimo, and the subsequent protests indicate a critical juncture in the country’s governance and civil rights situation.

In summary, Venâncio Mondlane’s escape from an alleged assassination attempt illuminates the perilous environment for political opposition in Mozambique. The fallout from the disputed election has incited public demonstrations, resulting in tragic violence and state repression. As protests persist, the reaction from both authorities and the citizenry will significantly shape Mozambique’s political future.

Original Source: www.bbc.com