Maputo, 15 Jan (AIM) – A group of criminals, believed to be members of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR – the Mozambican riot police), murdered, in the early hours of Wednesday, three individuals in Machava Socimol neighbourhood, in the southern municipality of Matola.
The reasons behind the murder of these individuals are so far unknown, but residents of that neighbourhood believe that they may have been killed for supporting the presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who has called for another phase of mass demonstrations in order to protest against the investiture of President-elect Daniel Chapo later on Wednesday.
Since 21 October, Mondlane has been calling for mass demonstrations in order to protest against the allegedly fraudulent results of the elections held on 9 October, giving victory to the ruling Frelimo party and its candidate.
Lately, there have been reports pointing to the disappearance of Mondlane supporters in unclear circumstances.
Among the Wednesday victims, there is a minor aged 15. In the same neighbourhood, two individuals have disappeared mysteriously, believed to have been kidnapped by the same group of criminals.
According to a witness, the criminals started shooting and chasing the young people who were allegedly planning to demonstrate.
“They suddenly invaded our neighbourhood. We weren’t demonstrating or doing anything wrong. They killed three young people who were here, and they also injured others with shotguns. They just came here to exterminate us. We no longer want to live in these miserable conditions”, he said.
Another witness called on the competent bodies to bring justice “because we know who killed our brothers. They are members of the riot police. Chapo may take the oath of office but he did not conquer our hearts. We are Mozambicans and we deserve justice.”
Other sources showed spent cartridges and went viral on social media.
“The police killed my son. I don’t understand why they did that”, said a mother of one of the victims. “Who do they want to rule if they are killing us all, our sons and daughters? My son was a good person, he did nothing wrong. Why did they kill him? We don’t belong to any political party, but they killed my son”.
According to the “Decide” Electoral Platform, since the demonstrations began on 21 October, over 300 people have been shot dead by police.
(AIM)
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