Two killed in Mozambique shooting targeting opposition lawyer

A lawyer for Mozambique’s opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane was killed in Maputo on Saturday.

Elvino Dias, who represented Mondlane, was gunned down alongside Paulo Guambe, a candidate from the Podemos party. Witnesses reported that two gunmen shot at their stationary car in the city center.

Podemos party leader Albino Forquilha confirmed the deaths to AFP. Meanwhile, Mozambique’s national lawyers’ association expressed “deep shock” at the murder of Dias.

A civil society group, Mais Integridade, condemned the killings, calling them a “repugnant” act. The group labeled the attack an “act of intimidation” that threatens the country’s democracy.

Mozambique’s police have launched an investigation but have yet to confirm the identities of the victims officially.

The country is awaiting the final nationwide election results, expected on October 24. Mondlane, who challenged the ruling Frelimo party, claimed victory after the October 9 elections.

He has accused the Frelimo party of electoral fraud, stating that they falsely claim to be leading the vote count. Mondlane has called for demonstrations on Monday.

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