In Pictures: Uncertainty, blocked roads, and death on ‘Heroes Day’ demonstrations

On Tuesday, demonstrators in cities around Mozambique celebrated “Heroes’ Day,” called by opposition figure Venâncio Mondlane, for what he described as a celebration of the “real people’s heroes”, in opposition to the official Heroes’ Day celebrated on 3 February. 

Our correspondents visited several areas in Maputo and Matola.

Early in the morning on Tuesday, demonstrators prevented buses from moving in some neighborhoods, blocking roads and puncturing tires.

Some workers who commute by bus were reluctant to take the risk. By 10:00, some movement was visible in the centre of Maputo, and a Zitamar correspondent saw shops open, with public and private organizations operating as usual, albeit with fewer people on the streets than on a regular weekday.

Alarming reports of confusion and violence emerged before noon, mainly via social media, with many pointing to the Casa Branca area in Matola city.

Rushing to the scene, we met a group of young demonstrators carrying the body of 35-year-old Arlindo Vasco Cumbe who was fatally shot by riot police. They laid Cumbe’s body on the central reservation of the N4 highway until riot police officers took it away. In his neighborhood, amid cries for justice, many were in shock and despair.

Later that day, family members, including Cumbe’s widow, children, and neighbors, gathered at his home in grief.

Cumbe was buried this morning at the Texlon Cemetery in Matola.

At the Casa Branca area, where Cumbe was killed, six military and police armored cars were positioned in anticipation of possible protests to commemorate his life. Many shop owners did not open, fearing potential disturbances and violence.