Mozambican Opposition Leader Claims to Evade Assassination in South Africa

Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, who placed second in last month’s contentious presidential election, claims he survived an assassination attempt in South Africa. He had sought safety there after disputing the election outcomes. Via a video shared on Facebook, Mondlane stated he was in “mortal danger” after assailants reportedly visited his residence with the intent to kill him. Mondlane recounted having to escape through a back door and flee through a hair salon, carrying his luggage, alongside his wife and daughter. He did not present any substantiating evidence for his assertion, and Mozambican authorities have refrained from commenting. Approximately two weeks prior, Mondlane went into hiding following the deaths of his aide and lawyer, who were preparing to challenge the election results. Daniel Chapo, the candidate for the ruling Frelimo party, was officially declared the victor with over 71% of the vote, compared to Mondlane’s 20%. Mondlane did not specify the precise location where the alleged assassination attempt occurred. In the video, he mentioned residing in Johannesburg’s affluent Sandton neighbourhood. He stated, “I was with my wife and my daughter, running from one place to another.” South Africa’s foreign ministry informed the AFP news agency that they were unaware of Mondlane’s presence in the country and suggested the incident should have been reported to the police. The BBC contacted South African police, but no response was received. Mondlane had previously gone into hiding before the election results were announced, asserting that his home was encircled by security forces. He has urged Mozambicans to conduct nationwide demonstrations protesting the election results, which are currently being contested in court by the Podemos party, a supporter of Mondlane. These protests have resulted in violent confrontations with law enforcement, leading to several fatalities and dozens of injuries. Internet and social media access has also been restricted. A general strike initiated by Mondlane has persisted, despite the prime minister’s appeal for citizens to resume work. On Monday, three children were reportedly shot dead by police in various areas of the capital, Maputo, while eight individuals were reportedly killed in the northern province of Nampula over the weekend. Two separate Frelimo offices in Nampula were reportedly attacked, prompting police to deploy tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, which resulted in one death. Subsequently, demonstrators reportedly set fire to a house purportedly belonging to a police officer accused of killing a protester. Mondlane has been mobilizing individuals for a “final march” scheduled for Thursday in Maputo. This event is intended to conclude a seven-day protest he initiated last week. Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.