'Dark shadow' over crucial election

Mozambican police officers have been implicated in the killing of an election observer in an escalation of violence that threatens national elections scheduled for Tuesday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has noted. The officers allegedly shot Anastancio Matavele, director of the Forum of NGOs for Gaza in his vehicle in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province. Matavele who had conducted a training session for national election observers, died hours later in hospital. Police spokesman, Orlando Mudumane, two of the suspects were killed after their vehicle crashed shortly afterwards. A third man was receiving medical treatment after police officers detained him. Two other suspects fled the scene. ‘The apparent involvement of police in killing an election observer is a chilling development that casts a dark shadow over the Mozambican elections,’ said Dewa Mavhinga, southern Africa director at HRW. ‘The authorities should see to it that there is a prompt and impartial investigation to ensure justice for Matavele and accountability for those responsible.’