Mozambique presidential runner-up escapes alleged assassination try

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Extra tales about Mozambique from the BBC:BBC Africa podcasts

Mozambique opposition chief Venâncio Mondlane, the runner-up in final month’s disputed presidential election, says he has escaped an assassination try in South Africa, the place he sought refuge after difficult the outcomes.

In a video posted to Fb, Mondlane mentioned he was in “mortal hazard” after assassins had gone to his dwelling to attempt to kill him.

Mondlane mentioned he needed to leap by the again door and run by a hair salon, whereas carrying his baggage, accompanied by his spouse and daughter.

He didn’t present any proof to again up his declare and the Mozambican authorities haven’t commented.

Mondlane went into hiding about two weeks in the past, after his aide and lawyer have been killed as they have been making ready to problem the outcomes.

Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling social gathering Frelimo, was formally declared the winner with over 71% of the vote, versus Mondlane’s 20%.

Mondlane did not specify precisely the place the alleged assassination try had taken place.

Within the video, he mentioned he had been staying within the prosperous Sandton neighbourhood in Johannesburg.

“I used to be with my spouse and my daughter, working from one place to a different,” he mentioned.

South Africa’s international ministry advised the AFP information company they did not even know Mondlane was within the nation and that the matter ought to have been reported to the police.

The BBC reached out to South African police, however they did not reply.

Mondlane went into hiding earlier than the outcomes have been introduced, claiming his dwelling had been surrounded by members of the safety forces.

He has referred to as on Mozambicans to carry nationwide demonstrations in opposition to the election outcomes, that are being challenged in court docket by the Podemos social gathering which backed Mondlane.

The protests have led to violent clashes with the police and a number of other folks have been killed, with dozens injured.

The web and social media have additionally been restricted.

A basic strike referred to as by Mondlane has continued, regardless of the prime minister’s name for folks to return to work.

Three kids have been reportedly shot lifeless by police in numerous components of the capital Maputo on Monday, whereas eight folks have been reportedly killed within the northern province of Nampula over the weekend.

Two totally different Frelimo places of work have been reportedly attacked in Nampula, prompting the police to reply with tear fuel, rubber bullets, and dwell ammunition, killing one individual.

The demonstrators then set fireplace to the home allegedly belonging to a police officer accused of killing a protester.

Mondlane has been rallying folks to come back collectively for a “remaining march” in Maputo, on Thursday.

It is because of be the tip of a seven-day protest he referred to as final week.