The murder of Leão de Deus, a supporter of Venâncio Mondlane, in Inhambane, raises the total number of Mondlane supporters killed to 13, highlighting increasing violence against opposition members in Mozambique following recent political turmoil. The police have not commented on the murders, while human rights organizations call for accountability.
In the southern province of Inhambane, Mozambique, another supporter of Venâncio Mondlane, a former presidential candidate, has been murdered. Leão de Deus was abducted on Saturday before being fatally shot in the Chissibuca region of Zavala district. The human rights organization “Decide” has condemned the killing, noting that the victim was known for his strong support of Mondlane’s political movement.
The Mozambican police have yet to release any statements regarding this murder. According to “Decide,” this incident marks the 13th fatal attack on supporters of Mondlane by what are described as death squads. Recently, two additional supporters were also killed by unknown assailants in Massinga district.
In addition to previous incidents, notable murders linked to the political tension include the shooting deaths of Elvino Dias, Mondlane’s lawyer, and Paulo Guambe, a political election agent, in central Maputo last October. Despite the high profile of these murders, no arrests have been made, raising concerns about the ongoing violence.
Most disturbingly, reports indicate that on March 15, a demonstration leader named João de Deus Nhachengo was also kidnapped and murdered, with his body showing signs of extreme violence. Cumulatively, 15 supporters associated with Mondlane and one from the ruling FRELIMO party have been killed since the recent elections, underscoring a troubling trend of violence against political opposition in Mozambique.
The ongoing violence against political supporters in Mozambique continues to escalate, with recent murders raising serious questions about the safety and security of opposition members. The reported attacks, particularly against those aligned with Venâncio Mondlane’s political movement, reflect a concerning pattern of politically motivated violence that requires urgent attention from authorities. As the number of victims rises, it becomes increasingly imperative for police forces to take action and ensure accountability for these tragic events.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
