Prison break turmoil: 6,000 escapees deepen Mozambique unrest
Six thousand prisoners have escaped from a maximum-security prison near Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. According to the Associated Press, a rebellion erupted there on Christmas Day, citing a statement made by the country's police chief on Thursday. The country is in turmoil following the announcement of the presidential election results.
The Mozambican Ministry of Justice confirmed that at least six thousand prisoners have escaped from a maximum-security prison near the capital city of Maputo. Most of them had been convicted of murder.
Local media reporters claim that the prisoners exploited the holiday period and the fewer guards. Reuters reports that the prison riot in Maputo resulted in the deaths of 33 people, with several others injured amidst the disturbances. The internet is awash with videos showing prisoners, some still shackled, storming the gates of the penitentiary.
Convicted terrorists at large
Police Chief Bernardino Rafael stated that the escape from the prison, located 9 miles southwest of the capital, commenced around midday on Wednesday, following "agitation" by a protesting "subversive group" nearby.
Prisoners in the facility seized weapons from the guards and began releasing other inmates. - They also released 29 convicted terrorists - stated Rafael. The protests led to the collapse of a wall, facilitating the escape.
Rafael called for the voluntary surrender of the escaped prisoners. He also appealed to the public to provide any information about the fugitives.
Chaos in Mozambique
The mass escape in Maputo occurred with escalating protests following the Constitutional Court's confirmation that Daniel Chapoz of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front won the presidential election. The opposition claims the election was rigged. When the results were announced at the end of October, massive protests erupted, during which at least 130 people were killed.
Social unrest has disrupted the operations of foreign companies, including the Australian mining company South32. Due to the riots, neighbouring South Africa temporarily closed its main border crossing with Mozambique.
Source: PAP, Reuters, X, WP Wiadomości
