More than 6,000 prisoners escaped from a high-security facility in Maputo on Christmas Day following a rebellion, during which at least 33 inmates were killed. The chaos erupted amid violent protests and riots triggered by the confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in October’s elections.
At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique’s capital on Christmas Day after a rebellion, the country’s police chief said, as widespread post-election riots and violence are roiling the country.
Police chief Bernardino Rafael said 33 prisoners died and 15 others were injured during a confrontation with the security forces.
The prisoners fled during violent protests that have seen police cars, stations and infrastructure destroyed after the country’s Constitutional Council confirmed the ruling Frelimo party as the winner of the Oct. 9 elections.
The escape from the Maputo Central Prison, located 14 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of the capital, started around midday on Wednesday after “agitation” by a “group of subversive protesters” nearby, Rafael said.
Some of the prisoners at the facility snatched weapons from the guards and started freeing other detainees.
He called on the escaped prisoners to surrender to authorities and for the population to be informed about the fugitives.
Read more on FRANCE 24 English
Read also:
Mozambique prison riot leaves 33 dead
More than 1,500 escape in Mozambique prison break amid election tensions
Tense Christmas Eve in Mozambique after disputed election outcome
