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

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

10:05 CAT | 14 Apr 2025

Source: Presidency

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has reacted to the shooting this Sunday of one of the main supporters of politician Venâncio Mondlane, musician Joel Amaral, calling for a full investigation into the crime.

“We received with deep concern the news of the shooting of musician and politician Joel Amaral. This act of gratuitous violence is not only an attack on a citizen who contributes his knowledge and dedication to our country, but also an affront to democracy and the principles of the rule of law, which we must all protect,” said the head of state in a statement issued yesterday.

The Mozambican President added that “there cannot be room for fear in Mozambique” and demanded that the crime be “fully clarified by the competent authorities and that the law be enforced.”

Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane had confirmed on Sunday that one of his main national mobilizers, Joel Amaral, was shot by unknown assailants in Quelimane, in the center of the country, stating that it was yet another case of “political intolerance”.

“It is with deep sadness and indignation that I confirm the news about the shooting of our national mobilizer Joel Amaral, affectionately known as MC Trufafa.” Venâncio Mondlane wrote in a message on his official Facebook account.

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

The politician, a former presidential candidate who does not recognize the results of the general elections of October 9, thus confirmed the reports of the last few hours on social media, about the shooting of Joel Amaral, who had supported him since 2023, when he was a candidate for the Maputo local government.

“Cowardly act of political intolerance”

Joel Amaral, musician and author of songs that mobilized Venâncio Mondlane’s supporters in the electoral campaigns for the local elections (2023) and later for the presidential elections (2024), was shot in the Cualane 2.º neighbourhood, in the city of Quelimane, Zambézia province.

The last information released by Venâncio Mondlane, this Monday, stated that Joel Amaral was in a stable condition, hospitalized in Quelimane.

“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 [a government initiative to mark 50 years of independence] while Mozambique smells of gunpowder? It is unacceptable that violence and persecution become part of the reality of any Mozambican, especially those who are dedicated to promoting peace, equality and justice,” said Venâncio Mondlane.

The politician described the incident as a scenario of “persecution” of his supporters and “of any citizen who exercises their right to free expression”, which “must end”.

Shortly after the 2024 general elections, Venâncio Mondlane’s legal advisor, the well-known lawyer Elvino Dias, and the leader of Podemos, Paulo Cuambe, the party that supported his presidential candidacy, were fatally shot on the night of October 18, in an ambush on their vehicle in the center of Maputo, with machine gun fire, in a crime that caused commotion in Mozambican society and which remains unsolved.

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

Commpres.pres_

Os elementos em torno do incidente ocorrido em Quelimane levam a crer que se trata de uma tentativa de assassinato político com o intuito claro de enviar uma mensagem a Venâncio Mondlane. Amaral integrou a lista da CAD de Venâncio Mondlane à Assembleia da República e participou… https://t.co/47EoJoBtcN

— Tomás Queface (@tomqueface) April 13, 2025