US condemns killings of Mozambique opposition figures after election

Washington: The United States on Monday condemned the killings of two associates ofMozambique s leading opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who we...

Washington: The United States on Monday condemned the killings of two associates of Mozambique's leading opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who were gunned down on the weekend as they prepared to challenge this month's contested election.

"The United States condemns the killings of lawyer Elvino Dias and Podemos parliamentary candidate Paulo Guambe in Mozambique," US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

"We join the calls made by all four of Mozambique's national political parties in urging a swift and thorough investigation. Those responsible for these crimes must be held accountable," he added.

The pair were killed when their car was surrounded by other vehicles in capital Maputo on Saturday, just over a week after Mondlane stood in October 9 presidential elections. The results are expected to be released this week.

Mozambique has seen unrest following the vote, with riot police dispersing crowds in Maputo on Monday protesting against alleged electoral fraud.