The Department of International Relations has denied any knowledge of Mozambique's leading opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, hiding in South Africa. Mondlane went into hiding about two weeks ago after his aide Paulo Guambe and lawyer Elvino Dias were killed as they were preparing to challenge election the results.

NOT INFORMED

International Relations Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said that they were not aware or informed as a protocol that Mondlana was in the country. "We would be informed via the High Commission or an embassy that an eminent person is coming to South Africa and where necessary the government would even extend certain courtesies to officials of a particular government of eminent persons where necessary," Phiri said.

This follows a Facebook live by Mondlana claiming that he fled his country following threats on his life. He claimed it's because he challenged October's presidential election,which was won by the Frelimo Party. Mondlane said he had been staying in Sandton since he fled to SA. "When I was in South Africa, assassins were at my door to kill me. I had to jump out the back door, slip out through a hair salon and run with my bags and my family. I was with my wife and my daughter running from one place to another," he said in the video.

ENCOURAGED TO OPEN A CASE

Meanwhile, the South African Police Services said they have no record of Mondlane opening a case following alleged threats on his life whilst hiding in Sandton. SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe advised Mondlana to open a criminal case because there is no record of him doing so. "We checked with the Sandton Police Station and there is no record of a case that's been registered. We advise and request the leader to come forward with a statement so that we can open a case and an investigation can be conducted," Mathe said.