The Decide Electoral Platform has reported the murder of Leão de Deus, a supporter of Venâncio Mondlane, in Inhambane, marking the 13th killing of Mondlane’s supporters. The violence follows recent shootings in Massinga and other incidents in Maputo. The total number of opposition members killed in the post-electoral context has now reached 14.
The Decide Electoral Platform, a Mozambican NGO, has condemned the murder of Leão de Deus, a supporter of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, in the Zavala district of Inhambane province. The victim was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday and subsequently shot dead in the Chissibuca region. “The victim was kidnapped and shot dead in the district of Zavala. He was known for his strong convictions in support of the political movement of the former presidential candidate,” stated the organization.
The Mozambican police have yet to issue a statement regarding these murders. According to the Decide Electoral Platform, with the recent death of Leão de Deus, the total number of Mondlane supporters killed by death squads has risen to 13. Just last week, two of Mondlane’s supporters were shot dead by unknown assailants in the Massinga district.
On October 19 of the previous year, Elvino Dias, Mondlane’s legal representative, along with Paulo Guambe, an election agent for the Podemos political party, were also murdered in central Maputo. Despite the densely populated area where these crimes occurred, law enforcement has not apprehended any suspects related to these incidents.
In the early hours of March 15, João de Deus Nhachengo was abducted and later murdered, alongside Ivo Armando Nhantumbo, 23, a demonstration leader in Inharrime, whose body was dismembered. Overall, 15 supporters of Venâncio Mondlane and one from the FRELIMO party have been reported murdered in the post-electoral context.
The tragic murder of Leão de Deus highlights the ongoing violence faced by supporters of Venâncio Mondlane and raises concerns over political safety in Mozambique. The increasing toll of 15 murdered supporters reflects a disturbing trend of targeted violence in the post-election period. Urgent action is needed by local authorities to address these acts of violence and ensure the safety of political participants.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
