Two supporters of Venâncio Mondlane were murdered in Inhambane, increasing fears over political violence in Mozambique. The attack on Mondlane’s motorcade in Maputo further exacerbates concerns, leading to speculation about his safety. Incidents highlight a troubling trend, as 13 supporters have now been killed by death squads since the election campaign began.
In Mozambique’s Inhambane province, two supporters of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane were brutally murdered on Saturday. Daniel Guambe, aged 28, and Rafito Sitoe, aged 21, were shot while inside a vehicle by unidentified assailants who remain at large. The Mozambican police have not yet provided any statements regarding these fatal incidents. According to the NGO, Decide Electoral Platform, this brings the total number of Mondlane supporters killed by death squads to thirteen.
The dire circumstances surrounding the victims highlight their personal losses: Guambe leaves behind a wife and two young children, including an infant daughter, and Sitoe had recently become a father as well. Last week, violence erupted in Maputo when the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) assaulted Mondlane’s motorcade, leading to injuries of 16 individuals amid claims of a possible assassination attempt, although the police later refuted reports suggesting deaths involving children.
Further complicating the situation, Elvino Dias, Mondlane’s lawyer, and election agent Paulo Guambe were killed in Maputo last year without any suspects being identified despite the crime occurring in a populated area. Following the recent violence, speculation arose about Mondlane’s whereabouts, with reports indicating that he had fled to Botswana. He met with former President Ian Khama in Gaborone and was expected to return to Maputo for an interrogation by the Attorney-General’s Office. Nevertheless, Mondlane’s legal adviser announced that he would not comply with the summons due to concerns over his safety after the violent attack on his motorcade.
The recent murders of Daniel Guambe and Rafito Sitoe underscore the escalating violence faced by supporters of Venâncio Mondlane in Mozambique. With the police yet to address these killings, concerns grow around the safety of political figures and their advocates in a climate riddled with unrest and violence. The connection to past incidents, including attacks on Mondlane himself, raises serious questions regarding political stability and security in the region.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
