The “Decide” Electoral Platform has reported the murder of another supporter of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane in Inhambane, Mozambique. Leão de Deus was kidnapped and shot dead, marking the 13th death among Mondlane supporters attributed to death squads. The police have not commented on the incidents, which reveal a troubling pattern of political violence in the country.
The Mozambican NGO, the “Decide” Electoral Platform, has reported the murder of a supporter of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane in Zavala district, Inhambane province. The victim, Leão de Deus, was kidnapped on a Saturday and subsequently shot in the Chissibuca region. The organization highlighted his profound commitment to Mondlane’s political movement in their official statement.
The local police have not yet provided comments regarding these recent killings. The “Decide” Electoral Platform noted that with this latest incident, there have been a total of 13 fatalities among Mondlane’s supporters attributed to death squads. Just last week, two additional supporters were also shot dead in Massinga district.
Previous murders of political affiliates have included Elvino Dias, an attorney for Mondlane, and Paulo Guambe, an election agent for the Podemos party. Both individuals were killed in central Maputo on October 19, 2022, in a well-populated area, yet no arrests have been made. The violence escalated further on March 15 when João de Deus Nhachengo was kidnapped and killed, sharing a grim fate along with Inharrime demonstration leader Ivo Armando Nhantumbo, who suffered gruesome treatment.
In total, the tally of opposition members killed in the wake of the recent elections stands at 14, marking a troubling trend of political violence in Mozambique’s current climate.
The reported murder of Leão de Deus underscores the severe risks faced by political supporters in Mozambique, particularly those affiliated with the opposition. With the recent deaths raising the total to 14 opposition members, such violence casts a shadow over the political landscape, emphasizing the urgent need for safety and justice in the region.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
