Mozambique: Independent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane claims assassination attempt

On August 18, 2024, Venâncio Mondlane, an independent presidential candidate for Mozambique’s October 9 elections, reported an attempted assassination during a pre-campaign march in Quissico, Zavala district. Mondlane alleged that a police officer, Hélder Cossa, infiltrated the march in plain clothes with a pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition. The officer was identified by Mondlane’s team and was reportedly pushing and threatening security personnel. The officer was detained, but later fled from police custody. The incident has been referred to the Zavala District Prosecutor’s Office for investigation.