Mozambican opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, runner-up in last month’s disputed presidential election, says he escaped an assassination attempt in South Africa, where he sought refuge after disputing the results.
In a video on Facebook, Mondlane said he was in “mortal danger” after killers went to his home to try to kill him.
Mondlane said he had to jump out the back door and run through a hair salon, carrying his bags, accompanied by his wife and daughter.
He has not provided any evidence to support his claim and Mozambican authorities have made no comment.
Mondlane went into hiding about two weeks ago after his assistant and lawyer were murdered as they prepared to challenge the results.
Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling Frelimo party, was officially declared the winner with more than 71% of the votes, compared to 20% for Mondlane.
Mondlane did not specify exactly where the alleged assassination attempt had taken place.
In the video, he said he was staying in the affluent Sandton area of Johannesburg.
“I was running from one place to another with my wife and my daughter,” he said.
South Africa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the AFP news agency that they were not even aware Mondlane was in the country and that the matter should have been reported to police.
The BBC contacted the South African Police but they did not respond.
Mondlane went into hiding before the results were announced, claiming his home was surrounded by members of the security forces.
He has called on Mozambicans to hold nationwide demonstrations against the election results, which are being challenged in court by the Podemos party, which backed Mondlane.
The protests have led to violent clashes with police, killing several people and injuring dozens.
The internet and social media have also been restricted.
The general strike called by Mondlane continues despite the Prime Minister’s call for people to return to work.
Three children were reportedly shot dead by police in several parts of the capital Maputo on Monday, while eight people were killed in the northern province of Nampula over the weekend.
Two different Frelimo offices were reportedly attacked in Nampula, prompting police to respond with tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition, killing one person.
The protesters then set fire to the house that reportedly belonged to a police officer accused of killing a protester.
Mondlane has called on people to gather for a “last march” in Maputo on Thursday.
It would be the end of a seven-day protest he called last week.
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