Two close associates of Venancio Mondlane, Mozambique’s leading opposition candidate in the October 9 presidential elections, were fatally shot in Maputo on Saturday, October 19, as they prepared to challenge the disputed election results.
Lawyer Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, a fellow candidate from the Podemos party supporting Mondlane, were traveling through the capital when they were ambushed by multiple vehicles and gunned down, according to witnesses.
Podemos leader Albino Forquilha confirmed the deaths to AFP, while the national lawyers’ association expressed “deep shock” over Dias’s murder.
Civil society group Mais Integridade condemned the killings as a “repugnant” act of intimidation aimed at undermining democracy.
While police have launched an investigation, they have not yet officially identified the victims.
Bullet-riddled vehicle
Images circulating on social media showed the bloodied bodies of Dias and Guambe inside their vehicle, which had been riddled with bullets. Witnesses reported that two attackers fired about 20 shots after surrounding the car early Saturday morning.
The European Union condemned the murders and called for a thorough, transparent investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, stating, “In a democracy, there is no place for politically motivated killings.”
Contested election
The official results from Mozambique’s elections are expected to be announced on October 24. Mondlane, who is challenging the long-ruling Frelimo party, declared victory shortly after the polls closed, accusing Frelimo of election fraud.
Frelimo claims to be leading in the count, prompting Mondlane to call for protests on Monday.
Dias became prominent last year after accusing authorities of fraud in municipal elections won by Frelimo. Recently, he expressed concerns on Facebook about an alleged assassination plot, according to Mais Integridade.
Frelimo denounced the killings, urging authorities to fully investigate the crime. Meanwhile, opposition party Renamo described the loss of Dias and Guambe as “irreparable” and a “tragic” blow to those advocating for the rule of law.
On Saturday morning, a dozen lawyers gathered at the crime scene to honor Dias, while Mondlane and around 100 supporters held a vigil in the evening.
Election-related violence is not uncommon in Mozambique. Last year, a journalist was killed, and in 2019, an election observer was murdered during the voting period.
