1,500 Prisoners Escape During Riot at Mozambique J...

1,500 Prisoners Escape During Riot at Mozambique Jail

Zim Now Writer

More than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a Maputo jail in Mozambique during a violent riot that claimed at least 33 lives and left 15 others injured, according to Al Jazeera.

Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael confirmed on Wednesday that 150 of the escapees had been recaptured.

The riot coincides with rising civil unrest triggered by disputed elections in October, with the ruling FRELIMO party facing accusations of vote rigging. Rafael stated that protests outside the prison contributed to the chaos:

"The confrontations after that resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injured in the vicinity of the jail."

However, Justice Minister Helena Kida disputed this, telling Miramar TV that the disturbance began inside the prison and was unrelated to external protests. The identities of those killed and injured remain undisclosed.

Reports from the South African Broadcasting Corporation indicate that prisoners overpowered guards, seized AK-47 rifles, and escaped during the incident. Mozambican journalist Clemente Carlos suggested the reduced number of guards during the Christmas holiday may have enabled the breakout.

Adriano Nuvunga, director of Mozambique’s Center for Democracy and Human Rights, commented on X:

"This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the state of security and the justice system in Mozambique. Authorities, civil society, and international partners must collaborate to restore public safety and address systemic challenges."

The incident comes amid broader violence over election results. Attacks on petrol stations, police stations, and banks on Monday and Tuesday resulted in 21 additional deaths, including two police officers.

Since October 21, Mozambique’s post-election violence has claimed 151 lives, according to election monitoring group Plataforma Decide.