Mozambique: Mondlane supporter victim of murder attempt – AIM report

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: Mondlane supporter victim of murder attempt – AIM report

3:26 CAT | 14 Apr 2025

Photo: AIM

Unknown assailants on Sunday attempted to murder musician Joel Amaral, better known by his stage name MC Trufafa, in Cualane neighbourhood, Quelimane city, in the central Mozambican province of Zambézia.

Amaral is the head of mobilisation for former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who was responsible for calling mass demonstrations in order to protest against the allegedly fraudulent results of the general elections held on 9 October.

According to Mondlane, in a message published on his Facebook page, Amaral was hit by two bullets. One of which caused only a superficial injury, but the other struck him in the head. After receiving first aid at the local health centre, he was evacuated to Quelimane Central Hospital.

“Examinations (including CT scans) confirmed that the bullet had not penetrated his skull, which means that, despite the seriousness of the injury, Joel’s life is not at risk and his condition is stable”, said Mondlane.

He added, “there is no doubt that this cowardly act is a clear example of the political intolerance that permeates our country.”

“How can we talk about the flame of national unity while Mozambique reeks of gunpowder? It is unacceptable for violence and persecution to become part of the reality for Mozambicans, especially those who dedicate themselves to promoting peace, equality and justice in our society”, Mondlane added.

The “flame of national unity” is a symbolic torch which is travelling the length and breadth of the country. President Daniel Chapo lit the torch in Nangade district, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, on 7 April, and it will be carried in a relay, from hand to hand, until in reaches Machava stadium in Maputo on 25 June, the 50th anniversary of Mozambican independence.

“It’s time to unite against violence and oppression, and to demand a Mozambique where everyone can live in safety and dignity”, declared Mondlane. “The fight for justice and peace is the responsibility of all of us, and we cannot allow fear and intolerance to prevail”.

The Mozambican police have yet to comment on the attempted murder of Amaral, who is just the latest victim of organised death squads targeting prominent opposition supporters.

ALSO READ: Mozambique: MC Trufafa’s shooting is an “affront to democracy” – Chapo

Mozambique: MC Trufafá, one of Mondlane’s main mobilizers, shot in Quelimane – Watch

The first victims of this wave of violence were Mondlane’s lawyer, Elvino Dias, and Paulo Guambe, an election agent for the Podemos political party, which had supported Mondlane’s presidential bid. They were shot dead on 19 October in central Maputo, in a densely populated area. Although the government promised a thorough invstigation, so far no suspects have been arrested.

Amaral shot to prominence during the 2023 municipal elections, when his song “Who won?”, became an anthem for the opposition during marches opposing the fraudulent results in Quelimane. The fraud in Quelimane was so blatant that the Constitutional Council was obliged to change the result, acknowledging that what was then the main opposition party, Renamo, headed by mayor Manuel de Araujo, had won control of the municipality.

When news of the attempt on Amaral’s life reached Maputo, Chapo himself issued a statement condemning the crime.

“This act of gratuitous violence”, said Chapo, “is not just an attack against a citizen who has contributed to our country though his knowledge and dedication, but also an affront to democracy and to the principles of the rule of law which we should all protect”.

He demanded that the authorities should bring the criminals to justice. “We can never allow any place for fear in Mozambique”, Chapo declared.

The crime should not divert Mozambicans “from the path of building a more just and inclusive nation which respects life and human dignity”, he stressed.

Source: AIM