By Ziyah News Network Reporter
Venâncio Mondlane, the leader of Mozambique’s opposition party, SONA, and the runner-up in last month’s controversial presidential election, has alleged that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at his residence in South Africa.
In a dramatic video posted to Facebook, Mondlane described a harrowing experience in which armed assassins invaded his home, forcing him and his family to flee in fear for their lives.
Mondlane, who has sought refuge in Johannesburg following his disputed electoral loss, recounted how he, his wife, and their young daughter managed to escape through a back exit of their home. Panicked and with no time to waste, they reportedly cut through a nearby hair salon while carrying their belongings.
“I was with my wife and my daughter, running from one place to another,” Mondlane stated, visibly shaken.
Despite the alarming account of the alleged assassination attempt, Mondlane provided no immediate evidence to support his claims.
The Mozambican government has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident, and attempts by the BBC to reach South African law enforcement for comment have gone unanswered.
Mondlane’s alleged brush with death comes just weeks after he contested the official election results, which awarded over 71% of the vote to Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo, leaving Mondlane with approximately 20%.
Following the election, he has raised concerns over the escalating violence against his supporters, citing the killings of his aide and lawyer as they prepared to mount a legal challenge against the election’s legitimacy.
In his video message, Mondlane revealed that he had been residing in the upscale Sandton area of Johannesburg, but did not disclose the exact location of the recent incident.
The South African foreign ministry has stated that they have no official knowledge of Mondlane’s presence in their country and advised that any threats should be reported to local police.
In light of these developments, Mondlane has called for nationwide protests in Mozambique against the election outcome. His sentiments echo broader concerns among political analysts who express fears of rising political violence and a diminishing space for dissent in the southern African nation.
As the situation unfolds, the eyes of both Mozambican citizens and international observers remain fixed on the region, awaiting further developments amidst growing tensions.