Mozambique Supreme Court trial uses new audio-visual recording

The Supreme Court in Maputo will begin the trial of Venâncio Mondlane on Tuesday, November 17, using new audio and video recording technology for hearings. This system, which transcribes recordings into written documents, aims to significantly reduce trial length, according to Supreme Court judge-counsellor Pedro Nhatitima. The trial will take place in the criminal section of the Supreme Court, with daily sessions scheduled from 10:00 to 15:30 local time.

The case involves charges brought by the Public Prosecutor’s Office against Mondlane, a former presidential candidate who has not recognized the election results. The proceedings relate to post-election demonstrations between October 2024 and March 2025, during which over 400 people died in clashes with police and hundreds of businesses were vandalized. Mondlane faces charges including public glorification of crime and incitement to terrorism. The trial will hear from 12 prosecution witnesses, 20 defence witnesses, and two experts from mobile operators Vodacom and Tmcel.

The courtroom has a maximum capacity of 45 people and will include five Supreme Court judge-counsellors, two deputy attorneys-general, and legal representatives. Mondlane is standing trial before the Supreme Court because he is a member of the Council of State, which lifted his immunity.

Why it mattersVenâncio Mondlane faces charges of incitement to terrorism and public glorification of crime in a trial starting November 17.

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