Source: BBC News

Venâncio Mondlane, the Mozambique opposition leader and presidential runner-up, has alleged an assassination attempt in South Africa following his challenge to last month’s election results. Mondlane, who received 20% of the vote, claims he narrowly escaped when would-be assassins arrived at his residence. In a video posted to Facebook, Mondlane detailed his escape, describing how he fled with his wife and daughter through a hair salon to evade danger. However, no evidence of the attempt was provided, and Mozambican authorities have not yet commented.

Mondlane reportedly sought refuge in Johannesburg’s affluent Sandton area after the deaths of his aide and lawyer, who were killed while preparing to contest the election results. Officially, Daniel Chapo, representing the ruling Frelimo party, was declared the winner with over 71% of the vote, while Mondlane has accused authorities of electoral misconduct.

The election dispute has sparked nationwide protests, organized by Mondlane, resulting in violent clashes with police, internet and social media restrictions, and reports of several deaths, including three children reportedly shot by police in Maputo. The Podemos party, which backed Mondlane, is legally challenging the results, and the opposition leader has called for a final protest march in Maputo, culminating in a week-long strike.