Venancio Mondlane, a prominent opposition figure in Mozambique, has alleged a recent assassination attempt against him while seeking refuge in South Africa.
The incident follows a disputed election in Mozambique that Mondlane claims he won.
In a video posted to Facebook, Mondlane detailed a narrow escape from assailants who targeted his residence in Johannesburg’s affluent Sandton district.
He described a dramatic escape, involving a hasty retreat through a hair salon to evade the would-be killers.
While Mondlane did not specify the exact date of the alleged attempt, it appears to have occurred after the October 9 election.
South Africa’s foreign ministry has denied any knowledge of Mondlane’s presence in the country and urged him to report the incident to local authorities.
The alleged assassination attempt comes amidst a wave of violence and political tension in Mozambique.
Mondlane’s lawyer and associate were fatally shot in October, an incident he attributed to political motives.
Despite international observers raising concerns about electoral irregularities and the use of excessive force by security forces, the electoral commission declared Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, the winner with a significant margin.
As tensions escalate, Mondlane has called for a nationwide strike and a major protest in Maputo on Thursday.
Meanwhile, security forces have employed tear gas to disperse small demonstrations in the capital.